Haman-Changwon Merger Emerges as Key Election Issue

The potential administrative merger between Haman County and Changwon City in Gyeongnam Province has emerged as a significant campaign issue ahead of the June 3rd local elections.

People Power Party candidate Cha Seok-ho has pledged to pursue an administrative integration that would elevate Changwon Special City to metropolitan status while allowing Haman County to maintain its autonomy. Candidate Cha argued that the merger is a prerequisite for the Cheonsan Tunnel construction and would serve as a catalyst for harmonizing the 'Gaya region' and the 'Samchil region.' At a campaign rally, he stated his goal of opening Haman County to a 1 trillion won budget era, preserving its autonomy, and securing future financial resources. Cha countered criticisms by emphasizing his integration plan would not be an absorption like the Changwon-Masan-Jinhae merger but rather a incorporation into a metropolitan autonomous body with guaranteed local rights.

Democratic Party candidate Jeong Geum-hyo criticized the proposal, warning that Haman County would lose its independence if integrated into Changwon City. He argued that Haman's population, commercial base, and capital would be absorbed by Changwon, risking the collapse of the local economy. Jeong's campaign pointed out the contradiction in discussing Changwon's promotion to metropolitan status while Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-soo and Changwon Mayor candidate Kang Gi-yoon are discussing the separation of Masan, Changwon, and Jinhae. They also noted that the case of Gijang County, which was incorporated into a metropolitan city, is not applicable to Changwon Special City.

On May 24th, Buddha's Birthday, candidates from both parties visited Buddhist temples within Haman County.

Democratic Party candidate Jeong Geum-hyo visited Haman Mae-am Temple and the Gunbuk-myeon traditional market, where he announced 'Five Tailored Lifestyle Pledges' for the development of Gunbuk-myeon. These pledges include the construction of LH rental apartments, early expansion of the Sin-chang to Oggok two-lane road network, the introduction of a Gunbuk-type demand-responsive smart bus service, the construction of a 'synergistic complex tower' at the Gunbuk traditional market, and efforts to supply city gas.

People Power Party candidate Cha Seok-ho visited Haman Mae-am Temple and Gwangmyeong Temple, announcing a pledge to attract a 1.5 trillion won RE100 energy-independent industrial complex. Candidate Cha stated that this RE100 industrial complex would foster Haman as a hub for advanced industries and attract companies in aerospace, defense, data centers, and AI. His proposed methods for pursuing the RE100 complex include preempting government projects, operating a dedicated task force, and leveraging local investment promotion subsidies.