Governor Kim Taehum of Chungnam: "Jicheon Dam, Residents' Will Is Most Important... 70-80% in Favor"

"Political Calculations Are Wrong...
1 Trillion Won Additional Investment to Revitalize the Local Economy"

Governor Kim Taehum of Chungnam is giving a greeting at a local communication meeting held during his visit to Buyeo County. Photo by Lee Byungryul

On June 16, Governor Kim Taehum of Chungnam stated regarding the ongoing plan to construct the Jicheon Dam in the Cheongyang and Buyeo regions, "It is wrong to approach this issue with political calculations," and emphasized, "The will of the residents is the most important factor."

At a press meeting held in Buyeo County on the same day, Governor Kim said, "The issue of the Jicheon Dam should not be swayed by changes in administration," and criticized, "If the fact that Lee Jaemyung became president becomes an obstacle, that does not make sense. Those who approach the issue in that way are acting in bad faith."

He continued, "Currently, out of a total of 14 target areas, 10 have expressed support, and 2 are either on hold or in discussions," and asserted, "According to an internal report on a public opinion survey conducted within a 5-kilometer radius of Cheongyang and Buyeo, 70 to 80 percent of residents were in favor."

He added, "In fact, only a minority of residents oppose the project, so it is inconsistent for politicians to take the lead in opposing it," and pointed out, "Since the administration has changed, now is the right time to reexamine the project."

Governor Kim stated, "The issue of resident compensation has also been significantly improved," explaining, "The compensation, which was previously less than 40 billion won, has been increased to about 78 billion won. In addition, Chungnam Province will invest an additional 100 billion won to respond to population decline and lay the foundation for revitalizing the local economy."

He went on to say, "The Jicheon Dam is not just a water storage facility but will be utilized as a tourism resource," adding, "We plan to attract tourists and increase population inflow by linking it with Cheongyang's park golf course, the Forest Resources Research Institute, and other facilities."

He also emphasized, "Currently, 10 to 20 percent of environmental groups and some residents are opposed, but we will never ignore their concerns," and stressed, "We will collect opinions and prepare sufficient supplementary measures."

He concluded, "The direction and goals must be clear," and added, "If politicians evade responsibility, it could result in greater losses for the region. I will push forward with this project, fully prepared to take responsibility myself."