Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City proposes first organizational restructuring

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City has announced its first organizational restructuring plan, which includes expanding the current administrative structure from 4 offices, 7 headquarters, and 24 bureaus to 4 offices, 8 headquarters, and 27 bureaus. The plan also proposes establishing a semiconductor office directly under the mayor and redistributing functions across the Gwangju, Muan, and Dongbu offices.

However, the plan has faced criticism from City Council member Ju Yeon-chang. Ju argued that while the Dongbu Office is intended to be an industrial and investment hub, the lack of high-ranking (Grade 1) officials and decision-making authority in that location could lead to regional marginalization. He noted that while semiconductor industries receive direct mayoral oversight, critical national industries like steel, petrochemicals, and secondary batteries located in the Dongbu area lack equivalent strategic organizational support. Ju proposed the creation of a high-level Industrial Innovation Office in the Dongbu Office to manage carbon neutrality and industrial transitions effectively.

Meanwhile, the City Council is debating which standing committee will oversee the restructuring. The determination of the responsible department within the city administration is expected to influence whether the matter falls under the Administration and Legislation Committee or the Budget and Accounts Committee.