Citizens' Committee Urges Normalization of Kumho Tire... Heads to National Assembly on the 27th

"Government-Level Support Is Urgently Needed"
Statement Delivered to the Presidential Office

The voices of the local community demanding the normalization of Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory are heading to Seoul. The Citizens' Countermeasures Committee for the Normalization of Kumho Tire's Gwangju Factory (hereafter referred to as the Citizens' Committee) announced on the 24th that it will hold a press conference at the National Assembly on the 27th, urging support at the pan-government level, and will deliver a statement of opinion to the Presidential Office.

Black smoke is rising from Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory due to a fire that occurred on the morning of the 17th last month. Photo by Song Bohyun

The Citizens' Committee confirmed this plan at a representative meeting held on the afternoon of the 23rd. During the meeting, members agreed that "the Kumho Tire issue is no longer just a matter for the Gwangju region," and emphasized the need for government-level attention and response to prevent a chain crisis in employment and industry.

At the press conference to be held at the National Assembly's Communication Center, the Citizens' Committee plans to demand the following: the prompt announcement of a normalization plan by Double Star, the largest shareholder of Kumho Tire; the swift designation of the area as an employment crisis zone by the government; and pan-government support in the event of factory relocation.

Prior to the press conference, the committee will hold a meeting with National Assembly members from the Gwangju region to discuss joint response measures, and will subsequently submit a statement of opinion reflecting the committee's position to the Presidential Office. The delegation will consist of approximately 30 members.

Gwangsan-gu in Gwangju has also requested the government to designate the area as an employment crisis zone, citing damages caused by the Kumho Tire fire. According to Gwangsan-gu, there are approximately 2,500 workers at the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory and about 200 partner companies.

An official from Gwangsan-gu stated, "If the suspension of factory operations is prolonged, there are concerns about employment instability and contraction of the local economy," and added, "Double Star must take responsible action for damage relief and normalization."