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Lee Unveils Decentralization Drive With Five Regional Hubs, Three Special Provinces

The blueprint triggers ministry briefings starting with the finance ministry on Thursday.

Overview

  • During a policy briefing at the presidential office, Lee framed decentralization and local autonomy as a national survival strategy for sustainable growth.
  • He said funneling resources into the Seoul capital area has hit its limits and is eroding the country’s growth potential.
  • The committee proposed tailored development for five hubs—the metropolitan, southeast, northeast, central and western regions—and special self-governing status for Jeju, Gangwon and North Jeolla.
  • Committee chair Kim Kyoung-soo outlined plans to revive regional economies by attracting major corporate investment, paired with training, deregulation, and fiscal and tax incentives.
  • The presidential office described the announcement as the first step in a cross-government process, with detailed implementation plans to be presented in upcoming briefings.