Construction of Lead Waste Factory in Yeongju... Democratic Party Gyeongbuk Committee Urges Disapproval in Accordance with Citizens' Will

On July 8, the Democratic Party Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee urged, "The lead factory in Yeongju should be disapproved in accordance with the will of the citizens."

The Democratic Party stated, "The issue of approving the Yeongju lead factory, which has been the subject of repeated lawsuits since 2021, is awaiting a decision by Yeongju City on July 9. The lead waste smelting factory planned for Jeokseo-dong, Yeongju, was denied approval by Yeongju City in July 2022 due to opposition from Yeongju citizens. However, the situation has escalated after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the company on May 27, 2025."

Democratic Party Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee

The Democratic Party Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee further added, "While the same company's currently operating facility emits at least 11,000 tons of air pollutants, it has been revealed that the Yeongju lead factory reported only 16.07 tons to obtain various permits. There are also claims that the establishment of the factory was promoted in accordance with prolonged instructions or cooperation from the responsible officials at Yeongju City Hall."

The Democratic Party Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee also explained, "The planned site for the lead factory includes the Yeongju urban area within a 5-kilometer radius, and elementary schools and educational facilities are concentrated within 1.3 kilometers, threatening residents' right to health. Despite the heat wave, Yeongju citizens have held three rallies with the participation of about 2,000 people, continued one-person protests and signature campaigns, and, as of July 7, representatives of the Yeongju Christian Citizens' Coalition began a hunger strike in the yard of Yeongju City Hall to demand the disapproval of the lead factory."

The Democratic Party Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee appealed, "Since the administration of Yeongju City must reflect the will of the citizens and be carried out according to their demands, we hope that Yeongju City will disapprove the lead factory in the decision scheduled for July 9, thereby ensuring the public interest of city administration and protecting citizens' healthy lives from environmental pollution."