South Korea's Daegu–Gyeongbuk merger bill fails to reach plenary session

A key South Korean bill to create an integrated Daegu–Gyeongbuk regional government did not advance to the plenary session today. Lawmakers in the ruling party and the opposition were urged by Joo Ho-young of the People Power Party to give the proposal careful consideration, with the lawmaker arguing that the current situation is harming residents.

In remarks to fellow legislators, Joo warned that Daegu and North Gyeongsang residents are “suffering,” and he urged the National Assembly to reflect on whether passing the bill would be the right thing to do. He said that without a political and administrative turning point, the region could face a troubling trajectory.

Joo noted that Daegu–Gyeongbuk were among the first to push for administrative integration and pointed out that Jeolla and Gwangju had received broad backing from local governments and lawmakers as well. He argued that regional differences should not be used to justify discriminatory policies.

The lawmaker also claimed that under the current framework, a four-year period could bring up to 20 trillion won in advantages through mechanisms such as public-enterprise relocation and prioritization of national projects, which he described as biased toward Jeolla region leadership at the expense of Daegu–Gyeongbuk.

He cited the Central Election Commission’s position that if the bill clears by early April, local elections could be held, and he pressed for the bill to pass in the next Legislation and Judiciary Committee sessions and at the plenary stage.

The proposed measure, known as the Daegu–Gyeongbuk Administrative Integration Special Act, would create a unified local government by merging the city of Daegu with North Gyeongsang Province. Supporters argue the consolidation would address regional population decline, spur investment, and streamline governance.

For U.S. readers, the episode highlights how Korea’s local-government reform efforts can shape regional development, budget allocation, and national projects—factors that influence supply chains, investment climates, and the competitive positioning of Korean regions in global markets. Changes in local governance can alter where government funds flow, how infrastructure is prioritized, and which regions attract new jobs and industries.

Daegu and Gyeongbuk are part of South Korea’s industrial belt in the eastern and southeastern part of the country, while Jeolla and Gwangju lie to the southwest. The outcome of this bill could affect how national programs and incentives are distributed across regions, with potential implications for foreign companies and investors operating in Korea. The status of the bill remains pending, pending committee and plenary action.