South Korean PM Meets Governors, But Seven Skip Key Session

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo called for a meeting with the nation's newly elected provincial governors, but the gathering was marked by a significant absence. Seven out of the 17 governors elected in the recent local polls failed to attend the session, raising questions about intergovernmental cooperation. The Prime Minister's office had organized the meeting to discuss ways to enhance collaboration between the central government and local administrations. The absence of a substantial number of key local leaders suggests potential challenges in aligning national and regional priorities. Details regarding the reasons for the governors' non-attendance were not immediately clear. The meeting was intended to be a platform for dialogue and to outline strategies for effective governance across the country, particularly in implementing national policies at the provincial level. The government had hoped to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among the newly elected officials.