Yeosu Mayor Jeong Kimyeong Proposes Withdrawal of Yeosu MBC Relocation and Formation of Public Discussion Council

"Regret Over 'Bypassing the Region Without Prior Consultation'"

Yeosu City Hall exterior view. Provided by Yeosu City

Jeong Kimyeong, Mayor of Yeosu in South Jeolla Province, issued a statement on the 17th regarding the "Yeosu MBC relocation controversy," urging the formation of a public discussion council and calling for Yeosu MBC's participation. Mayor Jeong also expressed strong regret over "bypassing the region without prior consultation."

In his statement, Mayor Jeong said, "Yeosu MBC cites poor working conditions due to the aging of its building and severe management difficulties as reasons for relocating its headquarters. However, the media points out that 'relocation to another local government does not guarantee immediate management normalization, and solutions for improving working conditions can be found within the region.' The claims made by Yeosu MBC are neither reasonable nor convincing."

He continued, "Yeosu MBC has repeatedly declared and promised to the civic community that it would fulfill its role as the region's representative broadcaster by organizing fair, public-interest, and region-centered programs, and has put this into practice. Even now, withdrawing the relocation plan and participating in the formation of a public discussion council for the headquarters relocation and normalization would be the right thing to do for the local residents," he emphasized.

Mayor Jeong also stated, "I hope that Yeosu MBC will be normalized and become a beloved regional broadcaster for the local residents," and pledged, "We will spare no administrative support for the management normalization of Yeosu MBC and issues such as the aging headquarters building."