Proliferation of False Information Regarding Comprehensive Funeral Facility
Unverified Misinformation Spreads Online
Inappropriate Attempts to Undermine Trust in Public Projects
Yangju City in Gyeonggi Province has expressed strong regret over the indiscriminate spread of false information, which is not based on facts, regarding the ongoing joint comprehensive funeral facility construction project. The city urged citizens to make decisions based on accurate information.
According to Yangju City on May 20, some online communities and cafes have recently circulated claims that distort the current project as being connected to the private interests of specific individuals by citing legal disputes involving private memorial facilities that are entirely unrelated to the comprehensive funeral facility.
The city pointed out that such claims are unfounded speculation not based on facts and described them as inappropriate attempts to undermine public trust in the project.
Yangju City stated, "The Yangju Comprehensive Funeral Facility Project is a purely public financial initiative being jointly promoted by six local governments, including Uijeongbu, Namyangju, Guri, Pocheon, and Dongducheon. Every stage of the project is being carried out under thorough review and evaluation by central and regional administrative agencies such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Gyeonggi Province. It is completely impossible for private capital or the interests of specific individuals to be involved."
The city emphasized that all decision-making processes, including budget allocation, site selection, facility scale, and operational methods, are conducted through transparent public procedures. Furthermore, the facility will be operated by Yangju Urban Corporation in the future, under a rigorous public management system that includes settlement and audit processes.
Yangju City explained that the purpose of this project is to secure the public nature of funeral infrastructure and to alleviate the inconvenience residents currently face due to having to travel long distances for cremation services. At present, there are no public funeral facilities in northern Gyeonggi Province except for Seoul Municipal Seunghwawon in Goyang City, which is why six local governments in the northern region are jointly promoting this project.
The city also noted that, in terms of operating costs, public facilities can significantly reduce the financial burden on citizens. For example, the enshrinement fee at Gyeongsin Haneultteul Park, which is currently operated by the city, is about 500,000 won, making it more than ten times cheaper than private facilities. The comprehensive funeral facility is planned to operate at a similar cost level.
A Yangju City official stated, "Sensational terms such as 'crematorium,' 'columbarium,' and 'city of the dead' used in some online communities are merely exaggerated expressions intended to provoke fear and aversion. The facility in question is a modern funeral facility incorporating advanced technology and eco-friendly design, and 87% of the entire site will be developed as natural spaces for citizens, such as parks, walking trails, and recreational forests."
The official added, "We respect citizens' right to know and are always open to constructive criticism and suggestions. However, we ask that you base your judgments on official materials and administrative procedures provided by the city, rather than on distorted claims that spread without fact-checking."
In conclusion, the city stated, "The comprehensive funeral facility is not for specific individuals, but is an essential infrastructure for promoting the welfare and public interest of all citizens. We will continue to earn the trust of citizens through transparent and honest administration."
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