"Gyeongbuk Grand Transformation Preparation Committee Launched... Kim Sungjo, Former Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation President, Appointed as Chairman"

Identifying Field-Oriented Policy Tasks
Discussing Key Issues Including TK Administrative Integration

On June 15, the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government held an inauguration ceremony for the "Gyeongsangbuk-do Grand Transformation Preparation Committee" at the Stanford Hotel in Andong, signaling a strong start to the ninth popularly elected administration under the slogan "A New Republic of Korea Powered by Gyeongbuk."

This committee was launched to concretize the direction of the grand transformation for the ninth administration of North Gyeongsang Province based on the achievements of the past eight years and to identify field-oriented policy tasks. More than 300 participants, including experts from various fields, business leaders, and representatives from social organizations representing the province, took part.

Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office

The committee is chaired by Kim Sungjo, former president of the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation. Kim is recognized as a figure with extensive experience in both national and local administration, having served as the chairman of the Planning and Finance Committee in the latter half of the 18th National Assembly. The committee operates around 11 subcommittees: Planning & Administration; Advanced Science & Investment; Regional Development; Welfare, Health & Children; Civil Affairs Innovation; Disaster & Safety; Decentralization Policy; Marine & Energy; Environmental & Forest Resources; Agro-livestock Distribution; and Culture & Tourism.

The provincial government departments and the Gyeongbuk Research Institute will actively support the committee's activities by reviewing pledges and providing and analyzing data. Their goal is to ensure that the committee's discussions are not one-off events but are reflected in actual policies.

At the plenary meeting that day, the committee discussed key agendas by sector for North Gyeongsang Province's ninth administration to drive four major transformations—industry, space, community, and civil affairs—based on the integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang administration and the Two-Port (New Airport–Yeongilman Port) development.

For industrial transformation, discussions focused on expanding Gyeongbuk’s future growth engines and quality jobs through mega-gap technologies such as AI and semiconductors, bio, future mobility, energy, and defense industry. Other topics included strategies to foster K-Food for increased competitiveness in the agri-food sector; the creation of a Two-Port global economic zone centered on the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated New Airport and Yeongilman Port for spatial transformation; and measures to develop Gyeongbuk’s cultural, natural, and historical resources into high-value tourism industries.

In particular, the committee decided to continue specifying key operational agendas such as special financial measures, delegation of authority, balanced regional development, and guaranteeing autonomy for cities, counties, and districts to ensure stable and effective operations after the planned launch of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated Metropolitan City in 2028. The committee also plans to gather diverse opinions and build broad consensus through communication with local residents.

Moving forward, the committee will meticulously review pledges within each subcommittee and identify policy projects to ensure their concrete implementation. Furthermore, recognizing that the four major transformations cannot be achieved by any single subcommittee or individual project alone, the committee will develop these into interconnected policy packages that create synergy through coordination among subcommittees.

The committee plans to compile the results of these discussions and report them to the residents of the province around mid-July, after which its official activities will conclude.

Chairman Kim Sungjo stated, "Trusting Governor Lee Cheolwoo's steadfast philosophy and exceptional drive, I will bring together the experience and wisdom of each committee member to support a strong start for the ninth administration of North Gyeongsang Province."

Governor Lee Cheolwoo commented, "Over the past eight years, I have sown the seeds of change with the resolve that 'only change ensures survival.' Now, the ninth administration must nurture those seeds and deliver concrete results to earn the trust of residents. The Grand Transformation Preparation Committee's feedback from the field and expert advice will be actively incorporated into our provincial administration."

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