Nonsan City Council Members of People Power Party Urge Pro-Lee Hwang Myungseon to Stop Low-Level Political Agitation

Seong Myung says, "Hanging 'Bomb Factory' Banner for Regional Development and Defense Industry Incites Citizens"

On the 26th, members of the Nonsan City Council from the People Power Party urged pro-Myung faction lawmaker Hwang Myungseon (Democratic Party, Nonsan-Gyeryong-Geumsan) to "immediately stop low-level political agitation."

Nonsan City Council members Lee Taemo, Jang Jinho, Lee Sangu, Hong Taeui, Heo Myungsuk, and Kim Namchung issued a statement in the Nonsan City Council meeting room, saying, "At a time when we should be coming together to consider the future of our region, actions that divide citizens and incite confrontation cannot escape responsibility."

On the 14th, Hwang held a press conference at the National Assembly regarding Nonsan City's plan to establish a defense industry complex in the Imhwa-ri area of Yangchon-myeon with Korea Defense Industry Co., Ltd. (KDI) and KD Solution (KDs). He called for a halt to the mass production and export of cluster munitions, which are inhumane weapons of mass destruction, stating, "A cluster munition is a single warhead composed of hundreds of submunitions, capable of devastating an area the size of three soccer fields."

Hwang also put up banners in the Nonsan area reading, "We will protect the lives and safety of citizens," and "Oppose the Nonsan bomb factory!"

In response, the PPP-affiliated city council members pointed out, "They continue to disrupt by inciting citizens with banners labeling the defense industry, which is the aspiration of the citizens and for regional development, as a 'bomb factory.'"

They further emphasized, "The defense industry is designed, completed, and produced under strict supervision by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Agency for Defense Development, in accordance with national safety regulations."

They also argued, "The defense industry and KDI are important projects that can boost the local economy and create jobs, as well as strengthen national defense. Young people are taking the entrance exam for KDI multiple times in hopes of joining the company."

They continued, "By what authority does Hwang ignore the dreams of young people and threaten their future? Can he truly take responsibility for the future of the youth?"

They added, "Our country needs self-reliant national defense; we are not making toys. Only with high-performance weapons and fortress-like defenses can we approach the status of a powerful nation that no one dares to invade. Forgetting such common sense and shaking the core of national security?what country’s lawmaker is he?"

They concluded, "Citizens want unity and development, not sacrifices for Hwang's political gain."