As MOF Relocation to Busan Sparks Heated Debate, Criticism Grows Over Sejong City Council's Role

Remarks by Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong, and Daejeon City Council's Resolution Opposing Relocation
Criticism Grows as Sejong City Council Remains Silent on the Issue

As controversy continues to surround the planned relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) to Busan, the issue in Sejong City is now spreading to the broader Chungcheong region.

Recently, Sejong Mayor Choi Minho and other governors and mayors from the Chungcheong region expressed their discomfort over the MOF relocation during a breakfast meeting. Mayor Choi has consistently voiced his opposition to the relocation, and Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province, also remarked, "Kang Hoonshik, a lawmaker from the Chungcheong region, has become the Chief Presidential Secretary. If the Chief Secretary simply stands by while government ministries belonging to the Chungcheong region are dispersed elsewhere, how can anyone do politics in the Chungcheong region? That would be irresponsible."

The Daejeon City Council also recently passed a resolution opposing the relocation of the MOF to Busan during the third plenary session of its 287th regular meeting. The resolution argues that the decision to move the MOF to Busan undermines balanced national development and policy continuity, and strongly urges that the ministry remain in Sejong City to maintain policy consistency and strengthen the functions of the Chungcheong region.

Meanwhile, the Sejong City Council, which represents the local political community, has yet to take a clear stance on the issue, leading to growing criticism from citizens who are observing the situation. From the citizens' perspective, the council is acting as a mouthpiece for the administration rather than representing the people.

Furthermore, Kim Younghyun, a Sejong City Council member from the Democratic Party, has come under scrutiny for making remarks unrelated to his official duties during an administrative audit session. Critics argue that his comments demonstrate a disregard for the fundamental role of local councils.

The council member stated, "A certain civic group is opposing the move, and I also feel uncomfortable about the MOF relocation. However, from our (party's) standpoint, this is not an area where we can speak out carelessly, so we need to look at the bigger picture," adding, "If we try to take everything, we will become too greedy and that would be a problem."

He continued, "Since Sejong City was created as an administrative capital, balanced regional development is important. But we should let go of the idea that every government institution must be located in Sejong. If they move to Busan, Incheon, or Mokpo, isn't that also balanced regional development?"

These remarks are being interpreted as a public admission that an elected official, chosen by citizens to work for the region, is instead acting as a mouthpiece for the ruling party, rather than addressing local concerns. This has led to criticism that such views lower the standards and rationale for the existence of local councils. In one local online community, even personal attacks targeting Council Member Kim have been posted.

Citizens have pointed out, "Even Kang Junhyun, a National Assembly member from the same party as the President, is approaching the issue cautiously and logically, but the council member's remarks are extremely dangerous and fall far below the standards expected of an elected official who should work for the region."

They further criticized, "If someone with such a mindset is to serve as a local council member, it would be better for them to become a lawmaker and act as a mouthpiece for the administration instead."