"Responding to Local Extinction"… Jeonnam Assembly Member Jinho Gun Urges Shift in Lifestyles

Integrated Policies for Settlement Infrastructure, Local Economy, and Youth Included

Jinho Gun, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Gokseong), sponsored a proposal at the 394th temporary session of the Planning and Administration Committee held on October 15, calling for a shift in lifestyles to address the crisis of local extinction.

The proposal is titled "Proposal to Urge Preparation for a New Way of Life in the Era of Local Extinction." During the meeting, Assemblyman Gun pointed out, "Our society is facing the crisis of local extinction due to low birth rates and an aging population, but simply merging or abolishing administrative districts is not enough to solve the problem."

Jinho Geon, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member.

He emphasized, "A policy shift is needed that focuses on the sustainability of local communities and a transformation in ways of living." Citing Japan's "Heisei Great Merger" as an example, Assemblyman Gun stated, "While administrative efficiency may have improved, there were significant side effects such as the weakening of local identity and widening service gaps. Our rural, agricultural, and fishing villages are in an even more serious situation, so what we urgently need are policies closely tied to daily life, not just administrative reorganization."

This proposal includes: ▲ Establishing customized living service systems at the town and township level ▲ Introducing digital-based living support systems ▲ Revitalizing the local circular economy through local currency and cooperatives ▲ Implementing regional alliance systems ▲ Preparing integrated settlement policies to encourage young people to stay and return to their communities.

Assemblyman Gun stated, "Local extinction is no longer a future issue, but a task that must be addressed immediately," and added, "The government should actively pursue policies closely tied to daily life that respect the diversity and autonomy of local communities, so as not to repeat Japan's mistakes."

The proposal will undergo review by the standing committee before being finally approved at the plenary session, after which it will be delivered to the government and the National Assembly.

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