"Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Must Participate...
Conduct a Thorough Investigation as Quickly as Possible"
On June 25, President Lee Jaemyung announced that he would establish a task force (TF) within the Presidential Office to resolve the ongoing conflict between Gwangju City and Muan County over the relocation of Gwangju·Muan Airport.
President Lee made this statement after listening to the positions of both Gwangju City and Muan County during the "Listening to the Heart of Honam" event held at the National Asian Culture Center in Gwangju. He said, "We have confirmed each side's position, and since there is mutual distrust, I believe it is right for the state to take responsibility."
President Lee emphasized, "Because of issues involving the Ministry of National Defense and financial support, please have the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport participate as well. We need to form a team that can conduct actual investigations as quickly as possible, involve local residents, and bring in outside experts."
He added, "If the relocation takes place, Muan will suffer damages. Gwangju says it will provide 1 trillion won in support, but Muan keeps expressing disbelief. That is why I am suggesting we discuss feasible support measures." He continued, "Although the Muan region may be harmed, from the perspective of Jeollanam-do, it could be an opportunity to attract an important national facility. Jeollanam-do should also take responsibility." In response, Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok said that while there may be a burden on local finances, he would willingly bear it if the issue is resolved.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, President Lee said, "Since I first ran for party leader, the military airport issue has been discussed countless times, but there has been no progress. From what I have heard from each side, if a compromise is reached, the situation could be much better than it is now, but due to differences of opinion and misunderstandings, the unfavorable situation continues."
He continued, "The first agenda item is to candidly discuss the Gwangju Airport issue, which is an immediate and pressing matter, with all stakeholders' opinions aired in front of the entire nation. Although we may not reach a final conclusion today, I hope we can at least find the starting point for a solution."
President Lee also presented the issue of balanced regional development as an agenda item. He said, "All sorts of issues are being discussed in the Seoul metropolitan area, but if you look closely, most of these problems arise because Korea is excessively concentrated in the capital region. If the national territory were used more efficiently, many of these problems could be resolved. I would like to hear your thoughts, as direct stakeholders, on how we can achieve balanced regional development."
In addition, President Lee mentioned two key initiatives for the new administration: the promotion of technology industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), and a transition centered on renewable energy. He stated, "We need to promote AI and advanced technology industries, and in response to the global shift driven by the climate crisis, we need a major transition centered on renewable energy. The southwest coast is a treasure trove of renewable energy, so the development strategy for the southern belt could help alleviate, to some extent, the problems of the capital region's dominance and concentration."
Meanwhile, President Lee emphasized, "Gwangju is like the mother of the 'Revolution of Light' that began on December 3 last year. The purpose of this gathering is to explore how genuine democracy and popular sovereignty, which began in Gwangju·Honam, can be realized."
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