[Insight & Opinion] Year of the Blue Dragon: Rethinking the Framework of National Governance

Controversies over megacities are erupting here and there, led by the incorporation of Gimpo into Seoul. Regardless of political parties, support and opposition are formed from the perspective of each region. Whether it is an election strategy or the demands of the people, reviewing the framework of national governance in line with the changes of the times is a desirable endeavor. However, it should not be a rushed matter; the current issues on the path must be properly understood, and a desirable direction should be systematically established.

In today's world, where transportation and communication have developed tremendously, and where the landmass can be traversed by car in 2 hours east to west and 4 hours north to south, there is no reason to further divide the framework of the eight provinces established during the Joseon Dynasty. Administrative officials elected under the pretext of regional balanced development are unable to solve even basic problems such as local finances, population extinction, and industrial decline. Moreover, from the perspective of true national balance, selfish regional investments are redundantly made in all fields, draining the nation's finances.

Infrastructure such as airports, regional landmark sculptures, various festivals, and international events should be located and held where they are needed at the national level, but instead, a selfish approach of "Why don't we have it in our region?" is widespread. The Saemangeum Jamboree was a representative selfish regional event. Even though there was the most suitable region with successful experience, budget was wasted under the banner of regional development, only bringing national embarrassment. Rather, it is hindering national balanced development, which should be achieved with limited resources, and further solidifying regional disparities.

Looking at what is happening in the regions, there are many times when one doubts whether local autonomy can be accomplished. First of all, in an era that requires global competition, talent selection is closed off. From top to bottom, not only government offices but also local organizations and businesses are all dominated by graduates from one or two high schools in the region. Truly, everything is done among brothers and close acquaintances. Therefore, even if not outright local corruption, policies, projects, construction, and procurement are poor and of low quality. No matter how small the region, talent should be widely sought and utilized, but the farther and smaller the area is from the center, the less this happens.

While reviewing megacities, I hope a profound master plan is created not only for the incorporation of Gimpo into Seoul but for the entire Republic of Korea. Instead of further dividing regions that lack the ability to develop independently, it would be beneficial for both the nation and regions to integrate the country into about five metropolitan cores and five megacities for management.

It is difficult to trust local powers elected through popularity contests like elections within regions. Even if heads of metropolitan governments and megacities are elected, perhaps it would be better to revert to an appointment system for autonomous units below that level. While entrusting residents with the choice aligns with the spirit of local autonomy, in reality, with half of the national territory disappearing, it is not a matter to rely solely on theory. Considering the size of the country and the development of transportation and communication, concentrated management is more efficient and can also promote the interests of local residents.

Furthermore, it is no longer acceptable under the guise of local autonomy for administration and education within a region to pursue different philosophies based on political factions. Whether by introducing a running mate system for the heads of administration and education or changing the education chief to an appointment system, this should be done to prevent confusion among the people.

Kim Hong-jin, CEO of Work Innovation Lab

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.