Park Kwan-yeol, the mayor of Gwangju, urged that the legitimate demands of the city’s 420,000 residents and the future of Gwangju must be respected in relation to the water supply project for the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex. He reiterated the need for substantial regional cooperation measures from the government.
Since September 9, Mayor Park has been conducting a one-person protest in front of the Blue House, demanding national support and development measures that correspond to the burdens Gwangju has endured due to prolonged overlapping regulations.
While acknowledging the importance of individual local issues raised by the Gwangju Station Area Emergency Response Committee at the protest site, Mayor Park emphasized that the intent of addressing the rights and future of the entire city must be clearly communicated.
“This one-person protest is not about personal or specific regional interests, but rather about the rights of 420,000 Gwangju citizens and the future of Gwangju,” he stated, adding that while listening to diverse local voices, national issues affecting the entire city must be pursued steadfastly.
He highlighted that the integrated water supply project for the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex is essential for the success of a national strategic industry, and therefore, practical regional development measures must follow in line with Gwangju’s cooperation.
Mayor Park is strengthening discussions with the central government, relevant agencies, and semiconductor companies through the regional cooperation council established on October 7.
Key tasks include alleviating local burdens from the water supply project, expanding industrial infrastructure, attracting businesses, and securing win-win solutions that Gwangju citizens can feel.
He has previously indicated that Gwangju should not remain merely a transit area for water pipelines but should evolve into a self-sufficient city where housing, industry, and jobs grow together.
To achieve this, he is pursuing major policy initiatives such as the creation of a smart city with 30,000 housing units, attracting national industrial complexes, and improving overlapping regulations.
“Protecting citizens' rights and resolving local issues are all important responsibilities of the administration,” Mayor Park said, adding, “I will respond responsibly to ensure that Gwangju’s legitimate demands lead to tangible policy outcomes through communication with citizens.”
In addition, Mayor Park plans to continue discussions through the regional cooperation council and focus administrative efforts on establishing a win-win model that integrates national projects with local development.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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