[Report] Redevelopment in Singa-dong, Gwangju at a Standstill... Only a Vacant Lot Remains After Demolition

New Executive Body Formed After Former Union President's Dismissal
Construction at a Standstill... Project Normalization Faces Challenges
Union Members Say, "We Hope for Swift Progress"

A view of the redevelopment site in Singadong, Gwangsan District, Gwangju, visited on the 27th. Photo by Kim Wanjung

An empty stretch of land unfolded. The site had been cleared, but mounds of earth were scattered here and there. The newly paved road was distinct, yet no vehicles passed by. Where demolition had ended, it was not construction but silence that took hold.

On the afternoon of the 27th, the Singadong redevelopment site was quiet. A tall fence blocked entry, and inside, a single remaining building stood alone. The spots left by the demolished buildings had been leveled, but no further changes were visible.

A real estate agent operating nearby trailed off, saying, "Construction should have started long ago..." He added, "In the early stages of demolition, many people were hopeful, but as the project has been delayed, the atmosphere among observers has changed."

Union members could not hide their frustration. Member A told us over the phone, "I thought the project would proceed immediately after the dismissal, but it is still at a standstill." He continued, "There are internal issues within the union, but I am more concerned about how negotiations with the contractor will be resolved."

On the 22nd at 2 p.m., the Gwangsan District Singa Redevelopment Normalization Promotion Committee held an executive dismissal general meeting at the Kim Daejung Convention Center. Photo by Song Bohyun

The Singadong redevelopment project began to stall as conflicts arose between the union and the contractor over the sale price negotiations. The price desired by the union and the conditions offered by the contractor did not match. Ultimately, negotiations broke down, and the selection of an alternative contractor failed twice.

Union members are hoping for a smooth transition to a new system, but are closely watching to see if the subsequent procedures will proceed smoothly. Currently, only two acting directors remain out of the nine directors, as seven have been dismissed. Among them, one is currently overseas and is scheduled to return on the 28th to carry out the handover of duties.

The former union president's side has filed for an injunction to suspend the effect of the dismissal meeting. It is expected to take about 20 days for the court to make a decision. Member C emphasized, "The new executive body must not betray the expectations of the members and must normalize the project as soon as possible," adding, "We must not remain stagnant as before."

The redevelopment site in Singadong, Gwangsan District, Gwangju, visited on the 27th. Photo by Song Bohyun

Meanwhile, at the union president's dismissal meeting held on the 22nd, the dismissal of the president, directors, and auditors was approved. A total of 849 members participated, including those who submitted written votes and those who voted on-site, with 836 in favor and 3 against, passing the dismissal motion. The dismissed president's side has filed for an injunction to suspend the effect with the court, and a decision is expected within 20 days.

The Singadong redevelopment project has been promoted with a scale of 1.8 trillion won since being designated as a maintenance area in 2011. Although it received management disposition approval in 2020, there has been no progress since then. Demolition has been completed, but the Singadong redevelopment site remains at a standstill, with only an empty lot left.