Kim Seong-chan, Prospective Candidate for Hampyeong County Governor, "Will Do His Best to Establish Hampyeong KTX Station"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kim Seong-chan, the Democratic Party preliminary candidate for the by-election of Hampyeong County Governor in Jeollanam-do, requested the establishment of a new station in the construction section of the KTX Honam High-Speed Railway Phase 2 new line and promised to actively promote negotiations with Korail for Hampyeong Station to stop.

This is the second pledge following the abolition of the county governor's official residence.

In a press release on the 19th, Candidate Kim said, “For the grand success of the national project, the residents of Hampyeong County have not demanded KTX stops out of sacrifice and concession,” adding, “Nevertheless, the fact that there is no plan for station facilities where trains can stop in the Hampyeong construction section of the Honam High-Speed Railway Phase 2 goes beyond regional discrimination and thoroughly ignores the residents of Hampyeong County.”

He continued, “Although KTX does not usually stop, temporary stops (4 times a day) are made during the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival period, which has been a consolation for local residents,” and pointed out, “We are preparing for the 2023 international event, the Hampyeong World Expo, so there are concerns about major disruptions to its success.”

He also promised to fulfill his responsibilities and roles as the deputy chair of the ruling party's policy committee.

He said, “We are continuously requesting the establishment of a new station in the Phase 2 high-speed line section to the Korea Rail Network Authority and are in negotiations,” adding, “As another alternative, we will actively seek solutions with Korail for KTX stops on the existing Honam Line.”

Meanwhile, Candidate Kim held a one-person protest in front of Hampyeong County Office on the 15th of last month during the environmental impact assessment of the Honam High-Speed Railway Phase 2 and issued a statement demanding measures for the relocation of Hampyeong Station, and is continuing negotiations with the Korea Rail Network Authority.