Urgent Call for Passage: What You Need to Know About the 강원특별자치도법 3차 개정안

On February 10, the second day of the National Assembly’s tent protest, Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, strongly urged for a swift review of the third amendment to the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Act. He made his appeal in front of the meeting room of the National Assembly’s Administrative Safety Committee’s First Subcommittee on Legislation.

On this day, the Administrative Safety Committee’s Subcommittee was reviewing the Administrative Integration Special Act, with discussions scheduled to continue until February 11.

Representative Yoo Sang-beom also joined the event, holding a sign that read, “A choice that changes the lives of Gangwon residents: Pass the third amendment to the Gangwon Special Act immediately.” He appealed to the committee members for prompt action on the amendment.

Governor Kim pointed out that despite completing consultations with government departments, the third amendment to the Gangwon Special Act has not been discussed even once in the past 17 months. He emphasized the need for swift processing of special laws for Gangwon, Jeonbuk, Jeju, and Sejong – collectively known as the ‘Three Specials’ – as well as the Administrative Capital Special Act, to ensure balanced development.

A day earlier, on February 9, the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province National Promotion Committee gathered approximately 3,000 residents near the National Assembly, urging for the prompt passage of the third amendment to the Gangwon Special Act.

In a striking display of protest, Governor Kim participated in a head-shaving demonstration. He wore a headband with the word “Struggle” on white cloth and held a sign that read, “Is integration about giving away benefits while ignoring Gangwon?” His expression was stern and determined.

The third amendment to the Gangwon Special Act comprises 40 legislative tasks. These include strengthening self-governance, concretizing a global city vision for future industries (19 items), implementing resident-friendly regulatory improvements (15 items), and enhancing the special self-governing province’s autonomy (6 items).