As discussions continue regarding the relocation of the Muan military airport, a member of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council has called for the disclosure of specific implementation plans for the national industrial complex sales guarantee and the promised 1 trillion won in support before a resident vote.
The council member emphasized that before persuading Muan residents about the burdens associated with the military airport relocation, the government and the integrated special city must clarify the feasibility and financial responsibilities of the promised support projects.
Goseong-seok, a council member from the Democratic Party representing Muan 1, urged during a five-minute speech at the council meeting on October 23 for the documentation and public disclosure of the six-party agreement related to the military airport relocation before the resident vote.
He criticized the mayor's recent response to concerns about the 500,000-pyeong sales guarantee, stating, "Do not worry," while only indicating that the acquisition of unsold land would be "actively considered."
If a sales guarantee has been promised, it is essential to specify who will purchase unsold land if actual sales do not occur and which agency will bear the resulting losses.
Goseong-seok stressed that since the establishment of the national industrial complex is a key support project linked to the military airport relocation, mere declarative promises will not earn the trust of the residents.
He also pointed out that while there are agreements with 101 companies regarding 330,000 pyeong of the 630,000 pyeong of industrial land, the actual implementation of these investments must be scrutinized.
He argued that agreements with companies do not guarantee actual investment and occupancy, and plans must be developed to secure demand for the remaining industrial land and address potential unsold land issues.
Rather than merely presenting the number of agreements as a measure of success in attracting businesses, a concrete management system is needed to verify investment scale, occupancy timelines, and the feasibility of actual project implementation.
Regarding the 1 trillion won support promise linked to the military airport relocation, he called for responsible implementation.
Goseong-seok referenced comments made by a member of the National Assembly's Defense Committee on October 15, who mentioned the 1 trillion won support and requested Muan residents to welcome the military airport relocation.
He emphasized that the 1 trillion won support was not a unilateral demand from Muan residents but rather a promise initially proposed by the former Gwangju city and agreed upon by the government and the former Jeonnam and Gwangju in the six-party agreement.
He added, "Demands to uphold a jointly agreed promise should not be dismissed as local selfishness. We should not ask residents, who are concerned about the future of the region, to make unilateral sacrifices but instead demonstrate a responsible attitude by fulfilling promises first."
Goseong-seok argued that to resolve conflicts surrounding the military airport relocation, the feasibility of implementing the agreed-upon terms must be objectively verified before asking for residents' choices.
He reiterated the demand for the documentation and public disclosure of the six-party agreement before the resident vote.
Additionally, he called for a comprehensive plan to enhance the practical sales potential of the national industrial complex by attracting anchor companies, securing demand for industrial land, and linking the revitalization of Muan International Airport with the establishment of the national industrial complex.
He specifically requested that the sources of support related to the national industrial complex sales guarantee, the acquisition of unsold land, and the burden of losses be clearly outlined, and that the progress of investments and occupancy by company be reported to the council quarterly.
This is seen as a way to continuously verify the feasibility of the national industrial complex development plan and ensure that the promises of support related to the military airport relocation are translating into actual projects at the council level.
Goseong-seok stated, "The establishment of the national industrial complex is a promise made to Muan residents who must bear the burdens of the military airport relocation and is a critical issue that will determine the future of the region. If we respect the choices of Muan residents, we must first fulfill our promises, and the responsibility also lies with the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City."
His remarks are noteworthy as they emphasize the need for clarity and accountability regarding the specifics of the agreements and responsibilities related to the national industrial complex and financial support, separate from the debate over the military airport relocation.
However, the legal binding nature of the national industrial complex sales guarantee and the funding methods for the 1 trillion won support, as well as the scope of responsibilities among agencies, must be confirmed through related agreements and subsequent implementation plans.
Meanwhile, the establishment of the national industrial complex and support projects linked to the relocation of the Muan military airport are considered major issues that will impact the expansion of the regional industrial base and the revitalization of the airport. Goseong-seok reiterated the need to clarify the responsible parties for the national industrial complex sales guarantee and the funding sources before the resident vote.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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