South Jeolla Governor Kim Young-rok stated on March 9th that public input is crucial for selecting the main government office of the proposed Gwangju-South Jeolla integrated special city.
Prior to registering as a preliminary candidate for the June 3 local elections, Kim addressed reporters, saying, "While it's premature to disclose specifics, we must establish a public deliberation committee to gather opinions on the main government office location." He emphasized, "If the special city mayor makes a unilateral decision, even a well-intentioned choice could lead to unforeseen problems."
Regarding potential alliances or unification with other candidates in the Democratic Party's primary for the integrated special city mayoral nomination, Kim remarked, "Discussions with other candidates can only occur after the preliminary primary concludes."
Later that day, Kim was set to register as a preliminary candidate at the Gwangju Election Commission. He planned to hold campaign announcements on the 10th, touring Gwangju and both the western and eastern regions of South Jeolla.
Upon his registration as a preliminary candidate, which will suspend his current duties, Vice Governor Hwang Ki-yeon will step in as acting governor.
