Shin Gye-yong, the mayor of Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, staged a one-person protest on October 8 against the government's plans for large-scale housing supply and the relocation of the Ministry of Justice. He strongly urged a halt to unilateral policy implementation without citizen consent.
On that morning, Mayor Shin stood in front of the Prime Minister's residence holding a sign that read, "Do not proceed with the relocation of the Ministry of Justice and the horse racing park without citizen consent," demanding that the government reflect the opinions of Gwacheon and its residents in policy decisions.
The key issues at stake include the planned supply of 9,800 housing units at the horse racing park and the National Defense Intelligence Command site, as well as the Ministry of Justice's relocation to Sejong.
Mayor Shin expressed concern that Gwacheon is already burdened with the expansion of transportation and living infrastructure due to large-scale development, and that additional housing supply would exceed the city's capacity. He also warned that the relocation of major government agencies could weaken Gwacheon's administrative function and lead to urban hollowing.
Last month, Mayor Shin, along with citizens, demanded a complete withdrawal of the housing supply plan and held a press conference opposing the Ministry of Justice's relocation, calling for a reevaluation of the relocation plan and the establishment of an official consultative body between the government and Gwacheon.
Mayor Shin stated, "I cannot accept the government's unilateral policies that destroy urban functions by announcing large-scale housing supply that exceeds the capacity of a small city and relocating major government agencies without any measures."
He added, "The government must respect the voices of Gwacheon citizens and prepare responsible measures to maintain the city's administrative function and prevent urban hollowing."
Concerns about traffic congestion, lack of living infrastructure, and damage to urban identity due to large-scale housing supply are also being voiced in the Gwacheon area.
Citizens believe that since this national policy directly affects Gwacheon's future, the government should adequately reflect the opinions of residents and local governments rather than making unilateral decisions.
Currently, Mayor Shin is continuing to engage with the government by proposing legislative amendments to reflect local opinions and establish support measures through visits to the National Assembly. He plans to continue emphasizing the principle that decisions about Gwacheon's future cannot be made without citizen consent in response to the government's unilateral housing supply and agency relocation policies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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