"Nonsan City's Uncommunicative Administration Fuels Conflict,
Plant Attraction Process Must Also Be Disclosed Transparently"
Hyungdo Kim, former Chungnam Provincial Council member, urged Nonsan City to take action to resolve resident conflicts related to the KDI factory in Yangchon-myeon. Photo by Byungryul Lee
As opposition from residents continues over the KDI defense facility, commonly referred to as an "explosives manufacturing plant," established in Yangchon-myeon, Nonsan City, Hyungdo Kim, former Chungnam Provincial Council member, on July 3 urged Nonsan City to "sit down with residents, even now, to resolve the conflict."
In an interview with Asia Economy that day, Kim stated, "Nonsan City has not made a single sincere attempt to negotiate with residents so far," and added, "The city's refusal to even come to the negotiation table could lead to even bigger problems."
He continued, "The initial meeting ended in arguments, and although this is an issue that could be resolved if the city would just open its mind, they continue to ignore it. While some citizens are suffering from the noise of protests, the root cause is not the residents but the city's uncommunicative administration."
He criticized, "Even after a KDI official publicly admitted at a Yangchon residents' briefing that it is indeed a bomb factory, the city continues to repeat only that 'it is not a bomb factory.' This is an irresponsible attitude that treats citizens like kindergarteners."
He further emphasized, "Despite specific explanations that it is a mortar and submunition production plant, denying this is a distortion of the facts. The bomb manufacturing process is clear, and the city's attempts to hide it only deepen residents' mistrust."
Kim also stated, "The location of the explosives manufacturing plant is highly inappropriate, as it is too close to a local road, surrounded by concentrated farmland and housing, and near a check dam into which tens of billions of won have been invested."
He asserted, "There is a record of KDI visiting Nonsan City right after the start of the 8th popularly elected administration. It is highly likely that the process of attracting the plant began before the mayor took office, and the city must transparently disclose the exact circumstances, timing, and process of how the plant was brought in."
He particularly stressed, "The current soundproof wall does not even meet basic standards. A complete soundproof facility using concrete and earth is necessary."
Kim criticized, "Nonsan City is trying to suppress opposition by mobilizing conservative youth groups and outside organizations like 'Nonsamo.' Such methods only further fuel conflict and represent irresponsible politics."
He also argued, "This plant was brought in independently and has nothing to do with the 'K-Defense Industry' frame. Nonsan City must thoroughly reflect residents' opinions to resolve the issue."
He warned, "If Nonsan City shows even a minimal willingness to engage in official dialogue, this issue can be fully resolved. However, if the city continues to unilaterally refuse dialogue as it does now, residents will continue to suffer and public trust in city administration will collapse."
He reiterated, "Manipulating public opinion by mobilizing outside groups while ignoring residents' voices and prolonging the conflict can lead to even bigger problems. Even now, Nonsan City must open its heart and engage in sincere dialogue with residents."
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