[National InsideㅣJeonbuk] 620 Billion Debt Fuse… Integration Shaken Amid Distrust

[Cheonji Ilbo Jeonbuk=Reporter Kim Dong-hyun] The 620 billion won debt of Jeonju City has become the fuse in the Jeonju–Wanju integration debate. Wanju residents express concerns over tax burdens, reduced benefits, and marginalization of their living zones, voicing opposition that “we cannot take on Jeonju’s debt.” The Jeonbuk Provincial Government and Jeonju City emphasize coexistence measures and incentives, but residents’ distrust remains high.

Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young, lawmakers Chung Dong-young and Lee Sung-yoon, and Jeonju Mayor Woo Beom-ki held a joint press conference in July, pledging to codify into law 105 coexistence plans proposed by pro-integration groups. Earlier in February, Jeonbuk Province, together with the provincial council, enacted the “Integrated City-County Coexistence Development Ordinance,” establishing a framework to maintain spending ratios between city and county budgets for 12 years and expand allocations for education, welfare, and agriculture.

However, public sentiment on the ground is cold. Residents remain skeptical, asking, “Will this really be kept?”

◆620 Billion Debt, “Why Should We Shoulder It?”

At the heart of the Jeonju–Wanju integration controversy lies Jeonju’s debt. By 2024, Jeonju’s local bonds amount to about 460 billion won, and with an additional 160 billion won scheduled for issuance, the total reaches 620 billion won. By contrast, Wanju County’s debt is only 33.2 billion won.

At a press conference marking his third year in office, Mayor Woo Beom-ki defended the city’s fiscal situation: “Half of the bonds issued went toward purchasing land for urban parks and roads. This is not disappearing debt but debt that increases Jeonju’s assets. From a five- to ten-year perspective, it’s not an issue to be overly concerned about.”

Yet among residents, voices grow louder: “Why should Wanju bear Jeonju’s debt?” Taxi driver Kim Chang-seop (alias, 50s) said, “Nearly 90% of people around Bongdong oppose it. If integration happens, taxes will go up and benefits will shrink. Jeonju might need this, but Wanju has no reason to integrate.”

◆Concerns Over Reduced Benefits and Regional Neglect

Another pillar of opposition lies in fears of reduced benefits and regional neglect. According to Jeonju’s fiscal disclosure, the 2025 budget totals 2.8037 trillion won (general account: 2.4489 trillion won). Of this, welfare accounts for 1.0988 trillion won (44.87%), agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 75.4 billion won (3.08%), and industry, SMEs, and energy 67.4 billion won (2.75%). By contrast, Wanju County’s budget stands at 1.0074 trillion won (general account: 849.9 billion won), with welfare at 253.5 billion won (29.8%), agriculture, forestry, and fisheries at 121.9 billion won (14.3%), and industry, SMEs, and energy at 30.7 billion won (3.6%). This shows relatively greater emphasis on rural support and industrial infrastructure spending.

Restaurant owner Park Hwi-su (alias, 60s) said, “I’ve hardly ever heard anyone in favor. Those living in remote areas worry they’ll be even more marginalized after integration.” He added, “Most industrial complex workers are outsiders who leave on weekends, so the impact on the local economy isn’t that big.”

One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “In principle, integration may be necessary, but residents’ sentiment is strongly against it. People are sensitive about having to share Hyundai’s tax revenue and other benefits with Jeonju.” He added, “Expressing support for integration risks being branded as betraying local interests.”

◆The “Jeonju” Brand Effect?

At a July press conference marking his third year in office, Governor Kim Kwan-young said, “I will resolve the unfinished task of Jeonju–Wanju integration. Once united, Jeonju will leap forward as a global city, and Wanju will share in the city’s brand and infrastructure.”

On the brand effect, a provincial official explained, “Many companies located in Wanju use the ‘Jeonju Plant’ name, and incoming companies are considering using the Jeonju name as well. This will have a positive impact on investment attraction.”

In fact, major companies such as Hyundai Motor’s Jeonju Plant in Bongdong, LS Mtron’s Jeonju facility, and KCC’s Jeonju Plants 1 and 3 are located in Wanju County yet use the Jeonju name.

But residents feel differently. Kwon Hyuk-jin (alias, 20s) said, “Big companies like KCC are well-known everywhere, so whether they say ‘Jeonju Plant’ makes little difference. Isn’t it Jeonju that benefits more?”

Kim In-cheol (alias, 60s) added, “Large corporations prefer the Jeonju name, but residents don’t care much. For locals, what remains are nuisance facilities and burdens.”

◆Residents’ Distrust, No Trust in Integration Talks

Distrust in politicians was also clear in resident interviews. One anonymous resident said, “Integration may be necessary for the greater good, but in reality residents’ benefits will inevitably decline. Leaders only seem interested in saving face and protecting their positions.”

Kim In-cheol (alias, 60s) likewise remarked, “Integration could be a path for Jeonbuk’s overall development, but unless residents are given credible explanations and leaders show responsibility, it will be hard to gain support. The problem is that politicians’ sincerity is not being conveyed.”

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung recently visited Wanju, saying, “A referendum can only happen if both sides agree procedurally. If conditions allow, six-party talks can also be held.”

A provincial official added, “All six parties are positive about the talks, and the schedule is currently being coordinated.”

The Jeonju–Wanju integration debate can be summed up as a “clash between principle and reality.” Politicians and administrators stress the need for integration to promote regional development, attract businesses, and enhance national competitiveness. Residents, however, oppose it over concerns of taxes, benefits, daily living, and nuisance facilities.

Governor Kim’s pledge to resolve “unfinished tasks” and Mayor Woo’s explanation that “debt is an asset investment” are not convincing to residents because of the gap with lived reality. Coexistence without trust is nothing more than an empty promise. Unless political leaders first restore trust, an integration pursued only in the name of principle will deepen conflict rather than resolve it.