Gongju City Council Urges Cancellation of Shingyerong-Bukcheonan Transmission Line Project... Briefing Session Canceled

Lim Dalhee Says, "Gongju Citizens Must Not Be Forced to Sacrifice for Supplying Electricity to the Capital Area"

The Gongju City Council in South Chungcheong Province called for the complete cancellation of the 'Shingyerong-Bukcheonan Transmission Line Construction Project' ahead of a scheduled residents' briefing session at the Art Center Goma on the afternoon of May 14.

According to the city council on May 15, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) was scheduled to hold a residents' briefing session regarding the construction of the Shingyerong-Bukcheonan transmission line on that day. However, the session was ultimately canceled as approximately 350 Gongju citizens gathered in front of the Art Center Goma to hold a rally demanding the suspension of the project.

The rally was attended by Chairman Lim Dalhee, Vice Chairman Lee Yongseong, council members Lim Guyoun, Kang Hyuncheol, Song Youngwol, and Kim Gwonhan, as well as South Chungcheong Provincial Council members Park Kiyoung, Park Miok, and Ko Gwangcheol. They expressed strong concerns, stating, "This project can only bring disadvantages to the citizens of Gongju."

In particular, the city council members pointed out the unfair composition of the site selection committee, stating, "Out of a total of 221 committee members, only 15 are from Gongju. With 86 from Daejeon, 42 from Cheongju, 25 from Sejong, and 25 from Cheonan, it is structurally difficult for Gongju's opinions to be properly reflected."

They also argued, "Although expanding existing transmission lines could have been sufficiently considered, it is unjust to select Gongju as a new construction site simply to avoid complaints from other regions."

Chairman Lim Dalhee emphasized, "It is unacceptable to force sacrifices upon Gongju citizens under the pretext of supplying electricity to the capital area. KEPCO must first review the option of expanding existing transmission lines and should completely withdraw the current transmission line construction plans."