Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok speaks at the first meeting of the Political System Reform Task Force at the National Assembly on Thursday. [Yonhap]
Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok speaks at the first meeting of the Political System Reform Task Force at the National Assembly on Thursday. [Yonhap]

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok on Thursday welcomed the government's announcement of plans to relocate administrative agencies and public institutions, pledging to back the initiative through legislation and budget support.

In a Facebook post, Kim said he had often felt a sense of waste watching civil servants in Sejong wear themselves out commuting to the National Assembly and Seoul for official business during his time as prime minister. "Sejong should become an administrative capital like Washington, and Seoul a global financial and cultural hub like New York," he wrote.

He added that the time would come to discuss moving foreign affairs and security ministries to Sejong, and, if the public wishes, relocating constitutional bodies such as the Supreme Court.

Kim also said he welcomed the relocation of public institutions, arguing they should be placed in regions closely tied to their functions in order to nurture local universities, businesses and talent. "Companies will follow the government and public institutions," he said. "That is where region-led growth begins."

"We will find ways to accelerate the relocation through legislation and budgetary support, while building pride among workers and easing their burdens," Kim said. "The Democratic Party will open a golden era of nationwide growth — a country where Seoul and the regions grow strong together, and every part of the nation advances."


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