Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo Says "TK Administrative Integration Needs a Resident Vote"... Hong Joonpyo Opposes Due to Delayed Schedule

Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo reiterated on the 27th his view that a resident referendum is necessary while promoting the administrative integration of the TK region.

Governor Lee attended a temporary session of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council that afternoon and, in response to a question from provincial council member Kim Ilsu (People Power Party, Gumi), said, "What is certain is a resident referendum," but also added, "A resident referendum requires a lot of budget and time."

Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk

Governor Lee stated, "However, if a consensus is not formed, a resident referendum must be held. Residents themselves must go through the process of deciding on such an important matter as the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk," once again expressing his intention to push for a resident referendum.

Meanwhile, Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo rejected the idea, saying, "A resident referendum is an out-of-the-blue claim." Mayor Hong said, "If we go through the Daegu-Gyeongbuk agreement at the end of August, government consultations in September, passage through city and provincial councils in October, and a legislative proposal by lawmakers, the bill could pass by the end of this year or early next year." He added, "However, if a resident referendum is held, the vote would be possible around January next year, effectively making integration impossible," making clear his opposition to a referendum.

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