The Muan County Council in Jeollanam-do held its first regular session of the 10th assembly on September 2, beginning a 20-day agenda that includes administrative audits and reviews of the 2026 second supplementary budget.
In his opening remarks, Chair Im Yoon-taek highlighted key issues for Muan, such as the relocation of the Gwangju military airport and the establishment of a distributed energy specialized national industrial complex, emphasizing the need for a new development strategy centered around the airport.
This regular session marks the first since the 10th Muan County Council was established. Chair Im expressed his commitment to responsible governance that prioritizes the lives of residents, based on their expectations and trust.
He noted that Muan is currently at a critical juncture, needing to address multiple challenges simultaneously, including setting a future development direction centered on the airport, expanding industrial growth, responding to rural population decline and regional extinction, and improving living conditions.
Chair Im pointed out that Muan has been designated as a candidate site for the distributed energy specialized national industrial complex, and that the area around Mangun-myeon has been selected as a candidate site for the relocation of the Gwangju military airport, calling this a significant turning point for the region's future.
He also called for a development strategy that organically connects the airport, railways, and the distributed energy industrial complex.
"If we can establish a comprehensive development strategy, Muan can evolve from a mere transportation hub to a center for advanced industries, logistics, and energy industries in the southwestern region of the country," Chair Im stated.
Regarding the issue of relocating the Gwangju military airport, he emphasized the importance of considering residents' opinions and ensuring procedural transparency.
Given that this has been a major issue for the community for a long time, he stressed the need to carefully consider both the expectations and concerns of residents regarding the selection of the relocation site.
Chair Im urged the administration to ensure that future procedures, including resident voting and the final selection of the relocation site, are conducted transparently with sufficient understanding and consensus from the community.
He evaluated the past relocation of the Jeonnam Provincial Office and the development of the Namak New Town as key turning points for Muan's growth, reiterating the need to create new growth momentum centered around the airport.
Chair Im emphasized, "We are at a decisive moment that can change the fate of the region. I will maintain a collaborative approach, closely communicating with the administration to develop necessary institutional support and policy alternatives together."
This regular session will address administrative audits, the review of the 2026 second supplementary budget, as well as various ordinances and issues.
The Muan County Council plans to assess the overall performance and results of major policy initiatives through the administrative audit, and will not only raise issues that require improvement but also propose realistic alternatives.
Regarding the supplementary budget, the council will focus on whether limited resources are prioritized for stabilizing residents' lives and addressing local issues, and whether the necessity and urgency of each project are adequately reflected.
Chair Im Yoon-taek stated, "Muan is at a turning point where possibilities must be turned into reality. If residents, the council, and the administration trust each other and pool their wisdom, we can create a broader and more secure future for Muan together."
He added, "The 10th Muan County Council will always be by the side of the residents, listening and prioritizing their lives, and will move forward unwaveringly for the sustainable development of Muan."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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