Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo: "Final Decision on Integration Must Be Made Through Resident Referendum"

by Mo Seokbong

Published 17 Mar.2026 15:42(KST)

"Integration Must Be Based on Preconditions That Ensure Proper Transfer of Central Government Authority"

Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon (Photo by Seokbong Mo)

Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon, held a press conference in the briefing room at City Hall on the 17th and commented on the integration of Daejeon, Chungnam, and Chungbuk, saying, "Although Chungbuk is part of the Chungcheong region, there is a significant difference in sentiment," and added, "Even the integration of Daejeon and Chungnam is currently facing difficulties, and if Chungbuk is included as well, there are concerns about intense confusion, making it a very challenging task."

He further stated, "Through the current Daejeon-Chungnam integration process, what is important is not simply the integration itself, but whether we can realize values that are in line with local autonomy through integration."

Mayor Lee said, "If the necessary preconditions for properly transferring the powers held by the central government are not fulfilled during the integration process, many Daejeon citizens have expressed concerns that 'the interests of Daejeon may be infringed upon and the city's development could be negatively affected by the integration.' Therefore, going forward, discussions on integration can only take place when it is clearly defined by law as a means to firmly realize the values of local autonomy."

He added, "Even if an agreement is reached regarding the next integration, I believe the final decision must be made through a resident referendum by the citizens."

Mayor Lee emphasized, "In particular, if at any point it is believed that the interests of the citizens are being infringed upon or that Daejeon's development is at risk, we will not hesitate to reject integration."