"Developer Favoritism? Not True"... Goyang City Fully Refutes Claims by Council Member Lim Hongyeol

Goyang City: Committee Schedule Was an Administrative Decision
"Regret Over Groundless Suspicions"
Nine Private Committee Members File Official Protest for 'Defamation'
Goyang City: "Dismissal Was an Inevitable Measure"

Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Donghwan) strongly refuted the allegations of "special favors for the Siksadong Data Center" raised by Goyang City Council member Lim Hongyeol on July 24, stating, "The adjustment of the Urban Planning Committee schedule was a legitimate administrative decision made in consideration of the quorum of committee members, and it is unrelated to the developer's financial schedule."

Exterior view of Goyang Special City Hall. Provided by Goyang Special City.

On this day, Goyang Special City released an official statement explaining, "Late July every year is a period when many Urban Planning Committee members take their summer vacations, making it difficult to secure a quorum for meetings. Therefore, the schedule was adjusted to mid-July."

The city further stated, "There is absolutely no connection between the 'developer's short-term loan maturity date (July 21)' raised by some parties and the committee schedule. We regret that suspicions have been raised based on this claim."

In particular, the city emphasized, "The deliberations of the Urban Planning Committee are not merely administrative procedures, but an important public decision-making process directly related to citizens' property rights. Responsible city council members should first have an accurate understanding of administrative procedures before raising suspicions."

The city also strongly refuted Lim Hongyeol's claim regarding the dismissal of Urban Planning Committee members, calling it a "distortion of facts."

According to the city, during the Urban Planning Committee meeting held on June 25, Lim made remarks to private committee members implying, "Are you acting on behalf of the developer's owner?" Despite repeated requests for an apology from the private members, Lim did not comply.

Goyang Special City explained, "On July 7, nine private committee members officially stated that they would not be able to participate in committee activities without action and requested Lim's dismissal. Lim's remarks seriously undermined the dignity and function of the committee, so dismissal procedures had to be initiated to ensure stable committee operations."

Regarding Lim's claim that this is an "unprecedented dismissal request for an elected member," the city responded, "The Urban Planning Committee is a collegial body composed of members with equal qualifications appointed by the mayor, and there is no hierarchy among members. Demanding exceptional status on the grounds of being an elected official is contrary to the principles of fairness and equity."

Goyang Special City stated, "The Urban Planning Committee is operated fairly and transparently in accordance with laws and principles. Attempts to undermine administrative trust through baseless political interpretations will no longer be tolerated." The city added, "We will continue to prioritize the rights and interests of citizens and maintain responsible urban administration."