Goseong, Geoje, and Tongyeong Leaders Oppose SK Ocean Plant Sale

Concerns Over Investment Uncertainty and Regional Economic Downturn
Calls for Complete Reconsideration and Suspension of Sale Process

Goseong County, Geoje City, and Tongyeong City in South Gyeongsang Province have officially expressed a joint opposition to the proposed sale of SK Ocean Plant, calling on SK Ecoplant and SK Group to completely reconsider and halt the sale process.

Mayors and county governors (Goseong, Geoje, Tongyeong) jointly express opposition to the sale of SK Ocean Plant.

On the afternoon of November 17, at 2 p.m., following a joint press conference held in the main conference room of Geoje City Hall regarding the inclusion of the Geoje-Gadeokdo New Airport Connecting Railway in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan, Lee Sanggeun, Governor of Goseong County, Byun Kwangyong, Mayor of Geoje City, and Chun Younggi, Mayor of Tongyeong City, issued a joint statement opposing the sale.

This joint statement reflects the unified voice of Goseong, Geoje, and Tongyeong, acting as a single regional economic community to protect local industries and jobs. It expresses deep concerns about the negative impact that the SK Ocean Plant sale, currently being pursued by SK Ecoplant, could have on the regional industrial ecosystem and employment stability.

SK Ocean Plant, as a company specializing in shipbuilding and marine industries, is the core operator of South Gyeongsang Province's first Opportunity Development Zone and has played a pivotal role in the local economy and job creation. However, the unilaterally driven sale without sufficient communication with the local community is being perceived as an act that undermines the trust and foundation of mutual growth built over the years.

The three local governments view this sale not as a simple business transaction, but as a critical issue directly linked to the region's future. They are particularly concerned that if the 1 trillion won investment plan is delayed or halted, it could lead to an economic downturn and employment instability in the region.

The three cities and counties stated, "We urge SK Ecoplant and SK Group to thoroughly reconsider or halt the sale negotiations, taking into careful account the restoration of trust with the local community and the impact on the regional economy. While we respect the company's management autonomy, if a major decision directly affects local industries and jobs, it must be pursued based on mutual growth and trust with the local community. The true path to coexistence is for companies and the region to grow and prosper together."