Min Hyung-bae: "No Exceptions for Eradicating Corruption"... Announces Sweeping Reforms for Integrated City's Civil Service

Emphasizing Stronger Measures for Vulnerable Areas of Corruption and Fair Contract Management
Pursuing Semiconductor, Major Enterprise Investments, and Public Institution Relocations Simultaneously
Enhancing Synergy between the Island Expo and Gwangju Biennale

Min Hyung-bae, Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, expressed a strong determination to eradicate corruption and unfair practices that persist in the public sector, marking the launch of the Integrated Special City as a turning point. He particularly emphasized that “there can be no distinction between allies and opponents in eradicating corruption,” vowing to apply strict and consistent principles with zero exceptions, thus signaling high-intensity reforms throughout the civil service after the integration.

On the 26th, Mayor Min presided over an expanded executive meeting at the Gwangju Government Office attended by heads of divisions, bureaus, and affiliated agencies, discussing the issue of “ensuring fairness” in municipal administration as a key agenda item.

The meeting focused on reviewing the status and countermeasures for areas vulnerable to corruption within the civil service and strengthening fair contract management. The aim is to eliminate customary corruption and unfair elements that have continued in past administrative processes, and to establish new administrative standards as the Integrated Special City is launched.

Min Hyungbae, Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, presided over an expanded executive meeting attended by department heads and heads of directly affiliated organizations at the Gwangju Government Building on the 26th. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City

Referring to recent remarks by the president at an anti-corruption policy council, Mayor Min said, “When it comes to eradicating corruption, there are no divisions of ruling or opposition parties, or of friend and foe; everything must be handled fairly and strictly, without exception.”

He added, “All public officials must set aside private interests and be equipped with unwavering integrity as public servants,” and urged the civil service to strive for emotional solidarity and unity within Jeonnam Gwangju.

As another principle for managing municipal affairs, Mayor Min put forward “civic sovereignty.” He stressed the need to move away from an administration-centric mindset in policy making and implementation, and to expand citizen participation and shared results.

“Civic sovereignty means that citizens participate in the process of making and evaluating policy, and also enjoy its outcomes and benefits together,” Mayor Min said, reiterating that “ultimately, the key is to empower the region to drive its own growth.”

Regarding the first organizational restructuring plan for the Integrated Special City, which was recently pre-announced, he called for proactive preparation within the civil service. He instructed officials to be ready to deliver results as soon as the new organizational system is launched, rather than waiting to begin preparations after the restructuring takes effect.

“The restructuring plan incorporates the core directions for the city’s future administration,” Mayor Min stated. “From now on, each department must thoroughly review its work and be fully prepared in advance to ensure that absolutely no gaps remain and results are achieved immediately once the new system comes into effect.”

Alongside internal reforms in the civil service, he also stressed the need for “simultaneous, multi-pronged responses” to large-scale future industry investments and regional issues.

“Jeonnam Gwangju is in the midst of an unprecedented transformation, including a 896 trillion won semiconductor cluster, more than 100 trillion won in investments in the eastern region by major enterprises, Samsung Electronics establishing its first new production line in 37 years, and the second round of public institution relocations,” Mayor Min said. “Since all of these matters are interlinked, we have to move forward on every front at the same time.”

He also stressed that the semiconductor cluster, military airport relocation, and the establishment of a national medical school are not just local issues but should be approached as part of a national growth strategy.

“The semiconductor cluster, military airport relocation, and national medical school are all core national policy tasks,” he said. “Do not confine our perspective to regional interests; we should envision the role of Jeonnam Gwangju within the broader context of South Korea’s overall growth strategy.”

He continued, “Jeonnam Gwangju must take the lead on South Korea’s key national agendas,” and directed that the city develop a system to proactively identify and respond immediately to moves by central ministries and the National Assembly.

He also pledged to focus administrative resources on securing next year’s national budget. Mayor Min emphasized not only the reflection of key projects in the government budget, but also “ensuring up to 20 trillion won in fiscal support without any gaps,” calling for close cooperation with party leadership, local legislators, and both the government and the National Assembly.

He further highlighted linkage strategies for the “2026 Yeosu World Island Expo” and the “16th Gwangju Biennale,” both of which will open simultaneously next week.

Mayor Min described these two events as “the first test bed for showcasing Jeonnam Gwangju’s culture and capabilities to the world under the name of the Integrated Special City.” He directed that the two mega events be organically connected to maximize synergy, and that promotional efforts be strengthened, especially through killer content on social media.

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