Assemblyman Jeon Ikhyun of Chungnam Calls for Reconsideration of Seocheon Bear Protection Facility Plan

Provincial Administration Inquiry:
"Residents' Safety Must Be the Top Priority"

Assemblyman Jeon Ikhyun, who will demand a reconsideration of the establishment of a bear breeding protection facility in Seocheon through administrative questions at the regular meeting of the Chungnam Provincial Council. / Provided by Chungnam Provincial Council

On June 12, Assemblyman Jeon Ikhyun (Seocheon 1, Democratic Party of Korea) of the Chungnam Provincial Council pointed out issues regarding the selection of the site for a wildlife protection facility in Seocheon County during the second plenary session of the 359th regular meeting and urged corrective action through administrative questions.

With the end of bear breeding scheduled for 2026 and the establishment of a protection facility for bred bears and abandoned wild animals planned in Seocheon County, Assemblyman Jeon stressed, "For the safety of local residents, the planned site needs to be reconsidered."

He continued, "While I agree on the need for wildlife protection, the proposed facility site in Songnim-ri, Janghang-eup, Seocheon County, is adjacent to residential areas, schools, and tourist attractions, which could threaten the residents' right to life and safety." He emphasized, "The suitability of the site should be thoroughly re-examined, or safety measures in which residents directly participate should be established."

Regarding the walking encouragement app 'Geotjyu' operated by Chungnam Province, Assemblyman Jeon pointed out, "Due to errors, access issues, and poor maintenance, the app is losing the trust of residents." He added, "Given the app operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is urgent to establish a constant response system and ensure transparent execution of the budget."

Assemblyman Jeon stated, "Even small inconveniences, if accumulated, can eventually lead to distrust in the provincial administration." He urged, "The province should take active steps to create a just Chungnam where people and nature coexist and the pains of the past are healed."