Muan County Residents' Group "Support for Military Airport Relocation... Expect Progressive Development of Future Blueprint"

Amid ongoing controversies over relocating Gwangju Military Airport to Muan County in Jeollanam-do, a civic group composed of Muan residents has voiced support for the relocation.

On the 12th, the Muan Love Association stated at a press conference, "We are convinced that a golden opportunity to save Muan is unfolding right before our eyes, and the revitalization of Muan Airport is the only solution."

Muan Sarang Meeting held a press conference on the 12th expressing their support for the relocation of Gwangju Military Airport to Muan.

Currently, Muan is the location of the Jeollanam-do provincial government office, and while the population of Namak is increasing, the western areas including Muan-eup are facing severe population decline and serious concerns about future economic prospects. They explained that with the establishment of a high-speed rail network, the integration of civilian airports, and the relocation of the military airport, a genuine and progressive future blueprint will unfold.

The group argued, "With the Gwangju Military Airport Special Act passing through the National Assembly, relocating to any area in Jeollanam-do is a realistic situation," adding, "When a critical national situation that determines the fate of the region is underway, local leaders must above all put aside selfish interests, focus their judgment with a strong sense of duty, and take the lead in persuading the residents."

They also said, "Since there is already an airport in our area, it is entirely reasonable and common sense that the military airport should be hosted at Muan Airport rather than in another region," and added, "If the military airport is hosted here, experts will thoroughly disclose the positive blueprint of how the western region of Muan will prosper, and this should be carefully examined and judged."

Furthermore, they emphasized, "It is time to pool wisdom and make efforts to gain the power of the residents through reasonable judgment, ensuring that measures to minimize noise damage, compensation for affected areas, and relocation plans are well prepared without any shortcomings."

They continued, "Instead of outright opposition to the military airport, a sufficient forum for public discussion should be created, experts invited, and opportunities given to residents to listen to scientific and rational opinions," and argued, "Opposition movements that hide all the good and only highlight the unpleasant aspects deceive the residents."

They also pointed out, "At this critical moment when Muan's fate is being decided, where are our local leaders now, and what opinions are they presenting to the residents?" They warned, "If Muan's future is decided by political logic or biased judgments of specific forces, it will be a tragedy."

They added, "We hope that the residents will show a rational and wise judgment to quickly escape the swamp of opposition, accept the blueprint for development for future generations, and actively participate," and said, "As Muan Airport is revitalized and the population inflows, leading to the eventual promotion of Muan to city status, we expect a historic atmosphere where wisdom and strength come together to create a truly good alternative."