South Korea's National Assembly is set to vote later this month on special bills to merge major cities and provinces into single administrative entities. The move aims to reshape the upcoming June local elections. The ruling Democratic Party, holding a majority, plans to push for passage by the end of February.
The National Assembly's public administration and security committee passed the merger bills during a plenary session on February 12, paving the way for a floor vote. The legislation proposes integrating Daegu with North Gyeongsang Province, Busan with South Gyeongsang Province, Gwangju with South Jeolla Province, and Daejeon with South Chungcheong Province to form unified local governments.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea, which commands a majority in the Assembly, has stated it will seek to enact the bills by the end of February. Approval would enable the mergers to be finalized ahead of the June 3 local elections, allowing voters to select the first governors of these new entities.
Under the proposals, the resulting integrated special cities would receive up to 20 trillion won ($13.6 billion) in support over four years and expand the number of deputy heads to four, elevating those positions to vice-ministerial rank. This initiative aims to enhance administrative efficiency and regional balance, though it may spark debate among local residents.
