Lee Jae-myung, a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea in the presidential primary, has proposed transferring the administrative capital to Sejong City as a pledge for the 21st presidential election. Since transferring the capital requires a constitutional amendment, the plan is to first pursue it based on current laws and then seek national and social consensus. Although the candidate shows caution regarding constitutional amendments related to a four-year presidential term system and restructuring of power, he is actively pursuing the transfer of the capital.
The candidate stated on Facebook on the 17th, "Chungcheong is the center of the territory and the heart of Korea. The heart of Chungcheong has to beat vigorously for the blood vessel of the Korean economy to come alive," and noted, "I will take the lead in true balanced development."
As pledges for the Chungcheong region, the candidate proposed ▲the construction of the Sejong National Assembly and presidential office ▲resuming the transfer of public institutions ▲transforming the Daejeon Daedeok Science and Technology Innovation Cluster ▲increasing the research and development budget ▲improving living conditions for researchers and technicians ▲building a high-tech industry belt in the Chungcheong region ▲attracting defense-related institutions to Nonsan and Gyeryong ▲developing the coastal tourism belt of South Chungcheong ▲promoting the inland healing and leisure tourism belt in North Chungcheong ▲expanding Cheongju International Airport ▲extending the metropolitan express railway (GTX) to Cheonan and Asan, among others.
In particular, the "transfer of the administrative capital to Sejong" is considered the pledge that most significantly influences public sentiment in the Chungcheong region. It is also the first pledge mentioned by the candidate when announcing the Chungcheong region pledges. Previously, it was reported that Kang Jun-hyun, a lawmaker from Sejong, and Bok Ki-wang, a lawmaker from Asan in South Chungcheong, had submitted a report on the "complete transfer of the administrative capital" to the party leadership.
The candidate stated, "I will complete Sejong as the center of the administrative capital and promptly promote the second transfer of public institutions," adding, "The complete transfer of the National Assembly and the presidential office to Sejong City will be pursued through social consensus." He emphasized, "I will make Sejong a truly administrative capital."
Transferring the capital is an issue that requires a constitutional amendment. Earlier, during the administration of former President Roh Moo-hyun, a proposal to transfer the capital was promoted but was shelved due to constitutional controversies. At that time, the Constitutional Court ruled the transfer of the capital to Sejong unconstitutional, stating that Seoul is conventionally considered the capital.
The candidate's side revealed plans to create a separate task force-like organization to promote social consensus in the future. While not disclosing constitutional amendment plans for restructuring the power structure, which is currently discussed as a significant necessity in political circles, it keeps open the possibility of a constitutional amendment related to the transfer of the capital to capture public sentiment in the Chungcheong region.
Kang Jun-hyun, the head of Lee Jae-myung's campaign, noted at a press conference held at the National Assembly's communication hall that "the complete transfer (to Sejong) is close to the transfer of the capital. It is linked to a constitutional amendment that requires sufficient public consent and social agreement," and stated, "I believe the candidate will express his stance through discussions and other means."
He emphasized, "Chungcheong has been an important barometer in every presidential election. Our camp also believes that the Chungcheong region is important," and noted, "Chungcheong plays a central role in connecting southern Korea and Seoul. We plan to put in significant effort."