Joo Ho-young, the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, stated on the 25th that he had spoken with Chu Mi-ae, the Chair of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, regarding the delay in the special law for the administrative integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang (TK). He mentioned that if the opposing voices among TK lawmakers decrease and support becomes overwhelming, the bill could be processed within the current assembly session.
Vice Speaker Joo appeared on the YouTube channel ‘MannaGO’ on the same day and criticized the internal party situation concerning the possible failure of establishing the special law. The TK integration bill, which had garnered attention with the upcoming local elections in June, remains stalled, in contrast to the Jeonnam-Gwangju special law, which smoothly passed the Legislative and Judiciary Committee.
The previous day, Chair Chu Mi-ae postponed the TK Administrative Integration Special Law, citing opposition from the People Power Party leadership and the Daegu City Council.
In response, Vice Speaker Joo strongly criticized the attitude of floor leader Song Eon-seok, stating that he had demanded the leadership to hold the opposition chair accountable if there had been no opposition. He accused the party leadership of displaying underlying opposition, despite outwardly stating principle support. He also labeled their plan to re-ask TK lawmakers for their opinions as a cowardly move that fosters division, asserting that it is a low-grade political act. Joo pointed out the contradiction in re-questioning a bill that had already been agreed upon by the Daegu City Council and the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council, and introduced by the regional constituency chair after considering the opinions of local lawmakers.
Highlighting the imbalance of power between the ruling and opposition parties, Joo argued that integration is impossible without the Democratic Party’s consent; yet, disagreements among some TK lawmakers and party leadership gave the opposition grounds to delay the bill. He cautioned against forsaking substantial benefits, referencing Gwangju and Jeonnam’s acquisition of 20 trillion won in investments, relocation of public enterprises, and national projects, stressing the importance of pre-integration agreement.
Joo warned that if the special law ultimately fails, the opposing regional lawmakers must bear full political responsibility, and he would even consider leaving the party or resigning if the party continued to disappoint. He believes there is no reason to remain in the party if it ignores critical regional issues.
He urged TK regional lawmakers to consider what truly benefits Daegu and North Gyeongsang, warning that if the door to integration closes, it might not open again for at least four years.