Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol expressed strong regret on October 28 regarding the collapse of talks related to water supply issues for the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex. He urged the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Environment to proactively review Gwangju's key proposals for regional cooperation.
During the second meeting of the 'Yongin Semiconductor Industrial Complex Water Supply Regional Cooperation Committee,' Mayor Park stated, "There has been no substantial review of the cooperation proposals suggested by Gwangju," emphasizing that the development of a 30,000-unit smart city and a national industrial complex are essential for securing the future growth foundation of Gwangju.
The meeting was intended to discuss the results of Gwangju's cooperation proposal review and support measures from various agencies, but it ended without narrowing the differences between Gwangju and the relevant ministries.
The core proposals put forth by Gwangju include the establishment of a 30,000-unit smart city and a national industrial complex.
Mayor Park views these projects as alternatives that can improve the urban structure, which currently mixes small factories, warehouses, and residential areas, and fundamentally address the water pollution issues affecting the metropolitan area's water sources through infrastructure expansion.
However, he claims that the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Environment have maintained existing systems and principles, hindering progress in negotiations.
Mayor Park emphasizes the need to fulfill national responsibilities for water source protection while ensuring the development rights of local residents and the sustainable growth of the city.
Having faced restrictions on urban development and industrial location due to overlapping regulations such as water source protection zones and natural conservation areas for the past 50 years, he argues that it is time to move beyond sacrifices imposed by regulations and establish practical local development measures.
He remains committed to comprehensive expansion of residential, industrial, and infrastructure facilities to improve disorganized development, prevent youth outflow, and secure a foundation for corporate growth, while also promoting the attraction of advanced industries and the creation of quality jobs.
His vision is to build a regional economic structure that fosters corporate investment, industrial growth, and talent development through the establishment of a national industrial complex.
Following the meeting's collapse, community backlash has continued. On October 29, a rally organized by a civic coalition took place, with growing calls for Gwangju to develop cooperation proposals.
Mayor Park insists that at the upcoming third meeting, the relevant ministries must closely review the plans for the smart city and national industrial complex and present specific support measures.
Furthermore, he expressed strong regret to the ministries, stating, "If they continue to maintain a general stance without reviewing the proposals submitted by Gwangju, the regional cooperation committee loses its meaning." He added, "It is the government's responsibility to ensure fair development opportunities for Gwangju citizens who have sacrificed due to water source protection and overlapping regulations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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