Governor Lee Jae-myung: "Will Ensure No Neglect in Administrative Services for Southern Gyeonggi Region Following Public Institution Relocations"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province stated regarding the third phase relocation of Gyeonggi Province public institutions that "we will ensure there is no neglect in administrative services for the southern Gyeonggi region."

On the 17th at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government building, Governor Lee announced the relocation of seven provincial agencies to promote balanced development in the northern and eastern regions of Gyeonggi Province. The agencies are the Gyeonggi Research Institute, Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation, Gyeonggi Economic Science and Technology Promotion Agency, Gyeonggi Agriculture and Fisheries Promotion Agency, Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation, Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Development Corporation, and Gyeonggi Women and Family Foundation. A total of approximately 1,100 employees will be affected.

The sudden announcement has raised concerns in southern Gyeonggi. On the 18th, provincial assembly members representing Suwon constituencies held a press conference demanding a fundamental review. Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young also expressed his views on the 17th through his personal SNS, stating "I understand the intention to disperse Gyeonggi Province public institutions from a balanced development perspective," while adding "I hope that the relocation of Gyeonggi Province public institutions to the northern part will not restrict the access to administrative services for residents in southern Gyeonggi. I also look forward to measures to ensure administrative service accessibility for southern residents." He requested consultation with Suwon City and the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly on specific implementation methods.

In response, Governor Lee posted on his Facebook on the 18th, stating "I fully agree with Mayor Yeom Tae-young's point that 'measures to ensure administrative service accessibility for southern Gyeonggi residents' are necessary." He added, "This is because there should be no reverse discrimination against the southern region. In conclusion, I believe the concerns raised will not materialize."

The governor explained, "Please take into account that even after the seven public institutions relocate to the eastern and northern regions, 13 institutions including Gyeonggi Art Center in Suwon will remain in southern Gyeonggi. For existing operations in southern Gyeonggi, branch offices (headquarters and centers) will remain to minimize inconvenience in administrative service access for southern residents."

He also stated, "The public building scheduled for Gwanggyo by Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Development Corporation and Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation possesses optimal location conditions, enabling the attraction of leading domestic and international enterprises and institutions. After the Gyeonggi Provincial Government moves to its new building, the old government building will accommodate public service institutions to sufficiently supplement administrative service accessibility for southern Gyeonggi."

He further emphasized, "I will keep in mind that the task of balanced development between regions must go through communication and consultation among all regions with conflicting interests. I will listen to diverse opinions with an open mind," stressing that he will communicate regarding this matter.