Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council Holds First Opening Ceremony... Launch of Korea’s First Integrated Metropolitan Council

Song Hyung-gon Vows to Build a Trusted Council for 3.2 Million Citizens
A Symbol of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integration
First Steps Toward a New Model of Local Governance

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council held its inaugural ceremony at the Jeonnam (Namak) Government Complex on July 13, officially declaring the launch of the nation’s first integrated metropolitan council.

The council, established through the merger of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council and the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council, marked the beginning of a new local governance model with the opening ceremony and commenced its legislative activities in earnest.

About 200 people attended the historic inaugural event, including Chairman Song Hyung-gon, 91 council members, Min Hyung-bae, Special Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integration, Superintendent Kim Dae-jung, local members of the National Assembly, former chairmen of the Jeonnam Provincial Council and Gwangju City Council, and journalists, all celebrating the launch.

On the 13th, the inaugural ceremony of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Council was held, attended by about 200 people including Chairman Song Hyunggon and 91 council members, Min Hyeongbae, the former Special Mayor of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integration, Superintendent of Education Kim Daejung, local members of the National Assembly, former chairs of the Jeonnam Provincial Council and Gwangju City Council, as well as journalists. Photo provided by Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Council

The event, held in the main chamber of the Jeonnam Government Complex, proceeded with an oath of office, the reading of the council’s code of ethics, an inaugural address, and congratulatory remarks.

On this day, the council unveiled its inaugural slogan, “United Strength, Greater Future,” expressing its determination to achieve the fruits of integration together with citizens.

During the subsequent plaque unveiling ceremony and the inaugural meeting, participants shared the significance of integration and discussed future directions for council operations.

In his inaugural address, Chairman Song Hyung-gon stated, “Based on the united history and values of Jeonnam and Gwangju, we will realize mutual prosperity and balanced development, and all 91 council members will strive to create a trusted council that serves all 3.2 million citizens.”

He continued, “The standard for all legislative activities is to improve the lives of our citizens. We will collaborate with the executive branch to foster future industries such as agriculture, fisheries, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI), and to strengthen educational competitiveness, while faithfully fulfilling our original role of oversight and supervision.”

Going forward, the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council plans to focus its efforts on generating integrated synergy in various fields—including regional cooperation and balanced development, as well as the economy, industry, culture, tourism, and education.

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