경남대도약준비팀이 전남광주대전환기획위를 방문해 영호남 상생협력 방안을 논의했다. 양측은 남해안권발전특별법 및 항공복합도시건설특별법 제정, 광양만권경제자유구역 개편 등 현안에 대한 공동 대응을 협의했다.
Jeonnam Province is urging Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to establish semiconductor fabrication plants and advanced packaging facilities in the region, citing its suitability for a semiconductor cluster due to ample power, water, land, and research talent.
In May, Gwangju's employment rate rose 0.4%P to 61.7%, while Jeonnam's fell 0.2%P to 66.5%. Gwangju saw a decrease in manufacturing and retail jobs, while Jeonnam experienced a decline in retail and agriculture.
The Ministry of Education will hold a report session on May 5th regarding the integration of the Jeonnam and Gwangju education offices, ahead of the launch of the unified "Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City Unified Education Office." The session will review preparation status and discuss future plans.
Min Hyung-bae, elected governor of Jeonnam-Gwangju, visited Naju's Bitgaram Innovation City for his first official schedule. He emphasized connecting energy and talent to create new growth engines, highlighting the city's symbolic role in the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju.
A 'Great Transition Planning Committee' has been formed to prepare for the launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and to create a blueprint for its administration. The committee, composed of 20 experts across seven sub-committees, will be chaired by former Samsung Electronics executive Jeong Eun-seung.
Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok congratulated the newly elected officials of the proposed Gwangju-Jeonnam Special City, urging them to create genuine coexistence and sustainable growth and to address the reality of regional extinction.
Gwangju City and Jeonnam Province have announced draft regulations for the integrated special city, set to launch on July 1st. The plan includes a four-deputy mayor system and unified departmental structures for efficient governance.
Gwangju and Jeonnam police are investigating 133 individuals for election law violations following the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections. Allegations include fake news, illegal fundraising, and early campaigning, with some elected officials also under scrutiny.
People Power Party candidate Lee Jung-hyun, who ran for the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju mayor in a traditionally difficult district, will have half of his election expenses reimbursed after securing 11.68% of the vote. Other candidates in the mayoral race and some local council candidates will receive partial or no reimbursement.
Newly elected education superintendent Kim Dae-jung pledges to revitalize regional education and push for the unification of Jeonnam and Gwangju education systems. He aims to create an ecosystem where local talent can thrive in regional industries and promises no disruptive mergers, prioritizing student choice.
Kim Dae-jung has been elected as the first Superintendent of Education for the unified Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City, securing 42.67% of the vote with 90.95% of ballots counted. He previously served as the Jeonnam Provincial Superintendent of Education.
Turnout in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju significantly increased from the 2022 local elections. South Jeolla Province recorded the highest turnout nationwide, while Gwangju, despite the rise, remained the lowest.
In the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections, 10.5% of candidates in Gwangju and Jeonnam, totaling 81 individuals, were elected without a vote. This includes 2 district mayors, 35 provincial councilors, 20 local councilors, and 24 proportional local councilors.
Jeonnam Fire Department selected Mokpo Fire Station as its representative for the 38th 119 Fire Policy Conference. Mokpo Fire Station won the grand prize for its research on utilizing retired firefighters to address blind spots in fire services.
Mokpo National University and Sunchon National University have resumed talks regarding their integration, which has been stalled due to disagreements over the location of the medical school. The new governor of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City is expected to mediate the dispute.
Four candidates vying for the unified Jeonnam-Gwangju education superintendent position held final campaign rallies on June 2, one day before the June 3 local elections. Despite continuous rain, candidates appealed for votes across Gwangju and Jeonnam.
With the June 3 local elections approaching, attention is on voter choices in Gwangju and Jeonnam. The elections will select leaders for the new unified special city, its council, and a parliamentary by-election, potentially reshaping the regional political landscape and challenging the Democratic Party's dominance.
Consumer prices in Gwangju and Jeonnam rose 3.1% and 3.5% respectively year-on-year in May, driven by increases in agricultural products and industrial goods like gasoline and diesel, according to the Honam Regional Data Administration.
Heavy rain warnings are in effect for parts of Gwangju and Jeonnam, with strong and heavy rainfall expected until the afternoon of the 2nd. Some areas in southern Jeonnam may receive over 80mm of rain. After the rain stops, hot weather is forecast.
NH Nonghyup Bank was chosen to manage the 21 trillion won integrated Gwangju-Jeonnam special city treasury's primary account, with local Nonghyup branch numbers reportedly influencing the decision. Gwangju Bank, which had fewer branches, was designated for the secondary account.
Lee Jung-hyun, a special mayoral candidate for the People Power Party in Gwangju and Jeonnam, proposed designating the region as a national project for AI, data, and energy industries. He suggested creating a national AI/data cluster in Gwangju and an energy industry belt in Jeonnam, aiming to transform the region into a hub for future industries.
Suncheon's mayoral election is a tight race between the Democratic Party and independent candidates, reflecting a divide between party loyalty and individual merit. Voters weigh party affiliation against the performance of incumbent mayor Noh Gwan-gyu.
Democratic Party's Jung Cheong-rae campaigned in Jeonnam ahead of the June 3rd local elections, urging voters to support 'Number 1' candidates. He focused on areas showing signs of support for other parties, emphasizing the need for unified Democratic Party representation for regional development.
