Contradicts His Own Press Release as Chairman
"Local Councilors Should Not Change Their Logic Depending on the Situation," Critics Say
The remarks made by Soonyeol Lee, a Sejong City Councilor originally from Daegu, Gyeongsang Province, regarding the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, have become a topic of controversy.
At a town hall meeting with citizens held at Haengboknurimteo in Saerom-dong on the 8th, Councilor Lee stirred debate by making comments that appeared to support the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. He stated, "If only Sejong prospers, the side effects of the previous era of Seoul's single-core system will occur again." There is growing concern as Councilor Lee, representing the Sejong region, seemed to express a stance that could limit the city's development potential, even though Sejong is still an unfinished city. Some have even made sarcastic remarks attributing his comments to his Gyeongsang Province background.
According to Ilyo Seoul, Councilor Lee said, "Just as Sejong is now seen as a leading city for balanced national development, Busan was once the second city in the country. Lawmakers from the Seoul metropolitan area do not look favorably on Sejong. There are many lawmakers who do not understand why Sejong is always asking for something or taking things. If only Sejong prospers, the side effects that occurred when Seoul thrived under the single-core system will happen again." This statement, reported on the 9th, has become a subject of criticism and raised questions. The controversy stems from the fact that Councilor Lee is from the Gyeongsang region, not the Chungcheong region, and as a local councilor, he is expected to prioritize the interests and quality of life of his constituents. His perspective and stance are being called into question.
In particular, a press release provided to the media last May, when Councilor Lee was the chairman, is drawing renewed attention.
At that time, Councilor Lee stated, "Since the Prime Minister's Office is located in Sejong, there is no need for affiliated committees that have not yet relocated to remain in Seoul. The Financial Services Commission, the Personal Information Protection Commission, and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission should all be moved to Sejong." He further explained, "Given that a large number of central government ministries and public institutions have already relocated to Sejong, we should prioritize the geographical location, symbolism, and physical distance from the presidential office when considering further relocations."
He added, "With so many central government ministries now based in Sejong, it only makes sense to relocate the remaining agencies there as well, to facilitate inter-ministerial cooperation, support meetings, and ensure swift policy decisions. There is no reason to keep them in Seoul." He emphasized the need to spark public discussion about relocating the remaining agencies to Sejong. This has led to criticism that his position changes depending on the situation.
Councilor Lee also received applause from citizens when he issued a press release advocating for the relocation and public discussion of not only the Financial Services Commission, the Personal Information Protection Commission, and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, but also the Board of Audit and Inspection to Sejong.
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