Representative Yoon Jae-gap Proposes the Library Development Promotion Act as Lead Sponsor

Yoon Jae-gap, Member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Party of Korea (Haenam, Wando, Jindo)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Rep. Yoon Jae-gap (Democratic Party, Haenam·Wando·Jindo) announced on the 8th that he has introduced the "Partial Amendment to the Island Development Promotion Act" to ease the criteria for excluding islands from development targets to those that have been connected to the mainland for more than 15 years.

The current law designates islands requiring development as development targets and provides various supports necessary for development projects. It also stipulates that islands connected to the mainland by breakwaters or bridges for more than 10 years, as determined by a presidential decree, are excluded from development targets.

However, the 10-year period is not sufficient to expect significant changes that would recognize the island as part of the mainland, and even after the opening of bridges, residents' living conditions remain poorer compared to other regions.

Accordingly, Rep. Yoon Jae-gap proposed the bill to promote island development by easing the exclusion criteria from development target islands to those connected to the mainland for more than 15 years.

Rep. Yoon said, "As stated in Article 3 of the Constitution, the territory of the Republic of Korea consists of the Korean Peninsula and its adjacent islands," adding, "Islands are living spaces for residents and hold significant importance in terms of national security."

He also stated, "It is unreasonable to exclude islands from development targets simply based on a 10-year period without considering the conditions of each island," and explained the reason for proposing the bill, saying, "It is necessary to greatly ease the exclusion criteria so that focused development can be carried out in island areas that require substantial support."

He emphasized, "I hope the amendment will be passed to help improve the quality of life for island residents and that national policies will be promoted that do not spare national interest and support for islands."

Today, the "Partial Amendment to the Island Development Promotion Act" introduced by Rep. Yoon Jae-gap was co-sponsored by Reps. Lee Won-taek, Lee Gae-ho, Lim Oh-kyung, Kim Min-seok, Park Young-soon, Seo Dong-yong, Kim Seung-nam, Shin Jeong-hoon, and Kim Won-i.