North Jeolla Provincial Council Welcomes Addition of Four Metropolitan Council Seats

Follow-up Measures to Be Completed by the End of June

With the passage of the Public Official Election Act amendment (the constituency redistricting bill) by the National Assembly, the number of metropolitan council members in North Jeolla Province Special Self-Governing Province has increased by four.

According to political circles on April 18, this amendment adds one additional seat each for Gunsan and Iksan, as well as two more proportional representation seats. Accordingly, when the 13th North Jeolla Province Special Self-Governing Provincial Council launches in July, it will be composed of 38 constituency members and 6 proportional representatives, totaling 44 members.

The North Jeolla Provincial Council welcomed the change, stating that it is expected to be a turning point in addressing the surge in local legislative demands following the launch of the North Jeolla Province Special Self-Governing Province, as well as in resolving the political discrimination experienced compared to other regions. The council assessed that, given the previous limitations in adequately reflecting residents' opinions due to the number of metropolitan council members, the passage of this amendment marks meaningful progress in enhancing residents' representation and balancing the region.

Regarding follow-up measures, the council has begun preparing key response strategies by field—including legal and legislative affairs, facilities and equipment, personnel and organization, and budget and accounting—in anticipation of the four-seat increase from the current 40 seats. Specifically, the council will pursue: ▲amendments to local ordinances and a reorganization of standing committees ▲development of infrastructure and information systems ▲expansion of policy support and administrative personnel ▲securing funds and equipment for legislative activities. Each department plans to complete the corresponding response strategies and detailed tasks by the end of June.

Chairman Moon Seungwoo stated, "The foundation for strengthening regional representation and realizing local autonomy has been further expanded," adding, "We will listen more closely to voices on the ground in line with the increased number of seats and respond with substantive policies that improve the lives of our residents."

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