"Chinese Capital Should Not Set Foot on Korean Soil"
Over 610,000 Agree as of Morning of 20th
Governor Choi Explains "Purpose is to Proudly Preserve Our Traditional Culture"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Opposition is growing against the so-called 'Korea-China Cultural Town' being developed in the Chuncheon and Hongcheon areas of Gangwon Province. A petition to the Blue House demanding the suspension of the construction project has garnered over 600,000 signatures. As the controversy escalated, Gangwon Governor Choi Moon-soon stepped forward to clarify, stating, "This is not a Chinatown." However, there is even public sentiment calling for Governor Choi's impeachment.
On the 29th of last month, a petition titled "Please withdraw the construction of Gangwon-do Chinatown" was posted on the national petition board.
The petitioner criticized, "Even though exchange and cooperation are important in Korea-China relations, this is an incomprehensible idea," adding, "I don't understand why a small China should be created in South Korea. This is South Korea, so I cannot understand why we should provide a pretext for experiencing Chinese culture on our land, and I firmly oppose the construction of a Chinatown."
Regarding the area where the Korea-China Cultural Town construction project is being promoted, the petitioner pointed out, "The Jungdo prehistoric site in Chuncheon is the world's largest site where tremendous artifacts have been excavated," and criticized, "It is utterly incomprehensible to destroy such a valuable place for foreigners."
They continued, "The public is increasingly anxious about losing their own culture due to China's intensifying Northeast Project," and urged, "We must now stand up against China, which tries to plunder our unique culture, and Chinese capital and companies must not be allowed to set foot on South Korean soil." As of 7 a.m. on the 20th, this petition had received over 610,000 endorsements.
A petition has been posted requesting the withdrawal of the so-called 'Korea-China Cultural Town' project being developed in areas such as Chuncheon and Hongcheon in Gangwon Province. / Photo by National Petition Board capture
Earlier, in 2019, Gangwon Province signed a business agreement with Chinese state-run media such as the People's Daily and People.cn to establish a Chinese complex cultural town in the Lavie Belle tourist complex located in Chuncheon and Hongcheon. This project, ten times the size of Incheon Chinatown, is being promoted with the aim of revitalizing the domestic tourism industry.
However, amid rising anti-China sentiment due to the so-called 'cultural Northeast Project' controversy in China, criticism is growing over whether there is a need to develop a large-scale tourist site promoting Chinese culture.
In response to such criticism, Governor Choi rebutted, saying, "This is not a Chinatown project." On the 16th, during an appearance on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Governor Choi emphasized, "This is a 100% private project, not a Gangwon Province project, and it should be understood as a cultural tourism content and sightseeing project, not a Chinatown in the usual sense."
He added, "If you visit the site, the cultural town is a Hanok complex," explaining, "The purpose is to invite Chinese tourists to showcase our traditional culture and promote cultural exchange."
Regarding claims that the prehistoric site in Chuncheon might be destroyed due to this development, he dismissed them as "absurd fake news," stating, "The two areas have no relation whatsoever," putting the controversy to rest.
A petition was posted urging the impeachment of Governor Choi, who clarified that the Korea-China Cultural Town development project is intended for promoting Korea, not as a Chinatown. / Photo by National Petition Board capture
However, despite Governor Choi's explanations, opposition continues unabated. A petition calling for Governor Choi's impeachment has been posted on the petition board, accusing him of pushing the project recklessly without considering public opposition.
The petitioner stated, "The grounds for impeachment are Governor Choi's incompetence and authoritarianism. He is the one who enraged the public," and criticized, "Regardless of whether Chinese people reside here, the public is firmly opposed to promoting Chinese culture on our land."
They continued, "Despite strong opposition from residents, he pushed forward with Legoland, and now he is trying to forcibly construct the China Cultural Town," emphasizing, "The owners of the free democratic Republic of Korea are the people. No one can force this project forward against the will of the people." As of 7 a.m. on the 20th, this petition had received 45,000 endorsements.
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