Eonju Lee: "If the Gadeokdo New Airport Special Act Does Not Pass, I Will Withdraw as Busan Mayoral Candidate"

Former lawmaker Lee Eon-ju, who has announced his candidacy for the April 7 Busan mayoral by-election, holds an emergency press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 28th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Lee Eon-ju, former Future United Party (now People Power Party) lawmaker running in the April Busan mayoral by-election, stated that she would withdraw her candidacy if the "Gadeokdo New Airport Special Act" fails to pass.

On the morning of the 28th, Lee held a press conference at the National Assembly and said, "If the Gadeokdo New Airport Special Act does not pass, I officially announce that I will boldly resign from my candidacy."

Regarding the Gadeokdo New Airport, Lee emphasized, "This is not just a Busan issue, but a matter for the Republic of Korea." She continued, "If the party opposes the construction of the Gadeokdo New Airport and the special act for the airport's construction fails to pass in the National Assembly, even if I become the final candidate of the People Power Party, I wonder what meaning there is in becoming mayor at the cost of ending my political life."

She requested efforts from the People Power Party leadership to pass the Gadeokdo New Airport Special Act. Lee said, "Whether the special act has already been submitted by the Democratic Party of Korea or any other party, or if the People Power Party submits a new party stance, I hope you will actively support it and furthermore, I earnestly ask for even more active support." She added, "You must not think, 'We can't do it because the Democratic Party submitted it.' If there are shortcomings, please submit a better law as a party stance."

So far, there has been a difference in views between the People Power Party leadership and Busan-area lawmakers regarding the Gadeokdo New Airport issue. Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, once said, "Busan's economy will not drastically change with just the Gadeokdo New Airport," but at the People Power Party's New Year press conference held the previous day, he expressed an opinion that the Gadeokdo New Airport could be included in the process of revitalizing Busan's economy.

Lee said, "If national funds are insufficient, I will realize the dream of Busan citizens for a Pacific city-state by attracting private capital and foreign investment," and added, "I will thoroughly monitor to ensure that the benefits do not go to some speculators but are enjoyed by Busan citizens and the entire Republic of Korea."