[AI Thoughts...] Asked About the Controversy Over Introducing International Flights at Gwangju Airport

International Flights at Gwangju Airport: Boosting the Local Economy?
City and Province Entangled in Complex Interests Over Operations
Regional Fatigue and Political Calculations
Airport Leadership Dispute Likely to Continue

Reporter: "What do you think about introducing international flights at Gwangju Airport?"

ChatGPT: A political issue intertwined with next year's local elections

We asked generative AI ChatGPT about its thoughts on introducing international flights at Gwangju Airport.

ChatGPT analyzed, "This discussion is a complex issue involving the interests of both Gwangju City and South Jeolla Province," and added, "Introducing international flights at Gwangju Airport could have a positive impact on the local economy."

On the other hand, it pointed out, "If Gwangju Airport starts operating international flights, its relationship with the existing Muan International Airport will need to be adjusted," and "Although Gwangju City and South Jeolla Province appear to be cooperating, in the long term, there may be subtle calculations over who takes the lead in airport operations."

In this regard, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong stated at a press conference on the 18th, "Citizens are experiencing great inconvenience due to the prolonged closure of Muan Airport," and emphasized, "We should actively pursue the option of temporarily operating international flights at Gwangju Airport until Muan Airport reopens."

Kang Kijeong, mayor of Gwangju, held a tea meeting with reporters in the city hall press room on the afternoon of the 18th, explaining major city administration issues. Photo by Gwangju City

In response, ChatGPT analyzed, "Gwangju Airport was originally planned to be integrated with Muan Airport in conjunction with the relocation of the military airport, but the delay in relocating the military airport has complicated the situation." It added, "If international flights are launched, the necessity of Gwangju Airport could be highlighted, increasing the possibility of its continued operation."

South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Yungrok stated at a policy meeting with directors on the 19th, "There is no reason to oppose temporarily operating international flights at Gwangju Airport before Muan International Airport reopens." ChatGPT predicted, "Since South Jeolla Province wants Muan Airport to be established as the province's hub airport, the key will be how to coordinate relations with Gwangju Airport," and added, "In the short term, they may accept international flights at Gwangju Airport, but in the long run, they are likely to maintain a stance of centering operations around Muan Airport."

On the morning of the 19th, Governor Kim Youngrok presided over a policy meeting with department heads at the Jeollanamdo Eastern Government Complex. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The political significance of the issue was also raised. ChatGPT began, "This is closely linked not only to the conflict between Gwangju City and South Jeolla Province, but also to next year's local elections." It continued, "Gwangju City sees the introduction of international flights as an opportunity to revitalize the local economy and strengthen its position as a global city." It also said, "Gwangju believes that operating international flights will bring political achievements, and is likely to seek public support and a favorable position in the local elections."

ChatGPT explained, "South Jeolla Province may take a strategy of creating a politically advantageous situation by temporarily operating international flights at Gwangju Airport, calming negative public opinion in the region and, at the same time, deflecting responsibility from Gwangju City." However, it predicted, "Since the ultimate goal of South Jeolla Province is still to establish Muan Airport as the province's core airport, even if temporary international flights are operated at Gwangju Airport, in the long run, they are likely to maintain a direction centered on Muan Airport."

Finally, ChatGPT added, "This issue simultaneously demonstrates cooperation and conflict between the two regions, and will serve as an important political variable in next year's local elections."

Gwangju Airport panorama. Photo by Yonhap News