Controversy Over Local Residents' Opposition and Sexual Crime Record
"Agreement Reached to Terminate Land Sale Contract with Landowner"
The plan of a Korean Muslim YouTuber, who became the center of controversy by declaring the construction of an Islamic mosque in Incheon, has fallen through.
According to the local real estate industry on the 20th, Muslim YouTuber 'Daud Kim,' who has 5.52 million subscribers, agreed to cancel the land sales contract with the landowner Mr. B on the morning of the same day. It is known that both parties agreed to terminate the contract without double compensation of the deposit after negotiations.
A real estate industry official stated, "Due to personal information, it is difficult to disclose details, but it is true that both parties decided to cancel the land sales contract."
Earlier, on the 13th, Daud Kim posted on his social network service (SNS), "With your help, I have signed a land contract for the construction of an Islamic mosque in Incheon," adding that he planned to build a prayer place for missionary work and an Islamic podcast studio. He also attached a photo of the land sales contract, stating that he agreed to purchase land (284.4㎡) in Unbuk-dong, Yeongjongdo, Jung-gu, Incheon, for 189.2 million KRW and paid a deposit of 20 million KRW.
YouTuber Dawood Kim holding a land sale contract for the construction of an Islamic mosque [Image source=Captured from Dawood Kim's YouTube channel]
When this fact became known, local residents strongly opposed it, citing that schools are concentrated about 1 km away from the site. On local online communities, posts appeared such as "Islamic countries have almost no women's rights, so I am worried about my daughter's safety," and "I will immediately file a complaint with the local government."
Daud Kim explained in a media interview, "Islam is a religion of peace," and "The site is in a remote area, so it will not cause significant harm to residents." However, the controversy grew further as his past involvement in a sexual crime was revealed. It is known that Daud Kim was sent to the prosecution in 2019 on charges of attempting to sexually assault a foreign woman, but reached a settlement with the victim and received a suspended indictment.
As the controversy continued, Mr. A requested Daud Kim to cancel the contract. The Incheon Jung-gu District Office, the competent local government, also interpreted that "it is difficult to build an Islamic mosque on the site due to its designated use." During the development permit review, the surrounding environment is considered, and the road conditions near the site are not favorable, making it difficult to obtain permission for a religious assembly hall. It was also added that Daud Kim has not yet applied for a building permit.
This is not the first time that the construction of an Islamic mosque has been promoted in Korea. Previously, when the construction of an Islamic mosque was promoted in Daehyeon-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu, conflicts continued as local residents protested at the construction site.
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