Kang Gijeong Meets Kumho Tire Management to Discuss Fire Recovery and New Plant Construction

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Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong is visiting the Kumho Tire headquarters in Seoul on the afternoon of the 17th and having a meeting with Kumho Tire CEO Jeong Iltaek. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong is actively working to resolve issues related to the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant fire, such as the construction of a new plant and the job security of workers, as quickly as possible. Mayor Kang is focusing his efforts on developing practical solutions that citizens can feel, meeting first with the Kumho Tire labor union and then the management, as well as requesting support from the government.

On the 17th, Mayor Kang met with CEO Jeong Iltaek and other members of the Kumho Tire management at the company's headquarters in Seoul. Democratic Party lawmaker Park Kyuntaek (Gwangsan-gap, Gwangju) also attended the meeting. The purpose was to minimize local employment instability and economic shock caused by the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant fire, and to establish practical measures for recovery and relocation.

During the meeting, a wide range of opinions were exchanged on key issues and future response measures, including the recovery schedule for fire-damaged equipment, conditions for restarting the plant, plans to maintain employment for workers during the suspension, and plans for plant relocation and site rezoning.

The city has announced that, in cooperation with Kumho Tire, it will prioritize employment stability and regional economic recovery, and will spare no administrative support needed during the recovery and relocation process.

The city recognizes the situation as a regional economic crisis that goes beyond a simple fire incident. If Kumho Tire clearly announces a new plant construction plan in the roadmap it is scheduled to release in early July, the city plans to establish a local cooperation system by proposing the formation of a "Kumho Tire Relocation Support Team" (tentative name) with participation from Gwangju City, the National Assembly, and government agencies.

Kumho Tire CEO Jeong Iltaek stated, "On the 18th, I will visit the headquarters of Doublestar in Qingdao, China, to discuss the 'fire damage recovery and future roadmap' with the major shareholder, and plan to announce this in July. We are well aware of the wishes and affection of the local community, and Gwangju City has consistently expressed its willingness to provide active support. We are also comprehensively considering the direction of the company's development. We will do our utmost to find a solution for plant relocation with a more proactive approach."

Mayor Kang said, "Since Kumho Tire plays a significant role in the regional economy, we must unite locally to turn this crisis into an opportunity. If a new plant construction plan is announced, let us respond together as a community. The city will fully cooperate and provide support for practical recovery and preparations for plant relocation to ensure employment security and regional economic recovery. We ask Kumho Tire to also respond proactively."

Mayor Kang is taking the lead on the construction of a new Kumho Tire plant, communicating not only with the company's management and labor union but also requesting support from the government. Mayor Kang has believed that relocating the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant is necessary for Gwangju's development, and since 2017, he has continuously met with both labor and management to listen to their opinions and show his interest.

Prior to the meeting with management, Mayor Kang met with Kumho Tire's labor union, including union head Hwang Yongpil, in the mayor's office on the 12th. During the meeting, he listened to workers' opinions on resolving employment instability, measures to address damage to partner companies, and the need for plant recovery and relocation. In particular, he shared details of a recent meeting between the Kumho Tire labor union and Doublestar's management.

At the "Safety and Security Inspection Meeting," the first official meeting between President Lee Jaemyung and local government heads held on the 5th, Mayor Kang said, "Although the President has been implementing various measures for the prompt resolution of the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant fire accident, which he visited last month, the issue of constructing a new plant is significant," and requested that the government and the Korea Development Bank also pay attention to the matter.