Kim Jeong-gi, acting mayor of Daegu, called on lawmakers to pass special legislation for the administrative integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, expressing hope that the merger could launch alongside the Gwangju-South Jeolla integration.
"There is still a sliver of time remaining," Kim said at a senior staff meeting at Daegu City Hall on Wednesday. "I earnestly request political consensus so the special law can swiftly pass the National Assembly and allow us to launch together with Gwangju and South Jeolla."
Kim expressed deep regret that the integration effort had stalled at the final legislative hurdle.
"Daegu has ranked last in per capita GRDP for 33 consecutive years, and North Gyeongsang ranks second nationwide in population extinction risk," he said. "Even if there are costs from conflict, we must innovate and struggle to achieve progress."
He urged civil servants and civic groups to join the integration effort, calling it "a mission for our future and descendants."
Regarding the recent conflict in Iran, Kim warned that prolonged hostilities could compound impacts on the regional economy through finance, foreign exchange, and oil prices. He directed officials to convene an emergency economic review meeting and develop response strategies, including active consideration of support measures for local businesses.