Responsibility in Administration Under Fire Amid 'Fear Marketing' Controversy
Extreme Confrontation Over Key Local Issues
Including City Hall Relocation and Hadong Jeil Market Redevelopment
A heated debate unfolded between Park Siseon, Vice Chairman of the Yeoju City Council, and Lee Choongwoo, Mayor of Yeoju City, over key pending issues in Yeoju.
Lee Choongwoo, Mayor of Yeoju City (left), and Park Siseon, Vice Chairman of the City Council. Provided by Yeoju City and City Council.
During a recent municipal inquiry, Vice Chairman Park directly held the mayor accountable for the effective collapse of the Hadong Jeil Market redevelopment project, which had been a symbolic task for the revitalization of the old downtown area.
Vice Chairman Park stated, "Since LH withdrew, the 8th popularly elected administration has repeatedly declared the normalization of the project, but the only result has been 'under review.' Instead of presenting practical solutions such as securing alternative stakeholders or financial plans, the administration continues to make excuses, blaming the previous government and changes in central government policy."
He further criticized, "Although there is talk of a shift to the private sector, nothing has been concretely established regarding the roadmap, investment structure, or the city's financial support plan. In the end, this has only led to repeated false hope for the citizens."
In response, Mayor Lee reiterated the city's existing stance, saying, "LH's withdrawal was due to external policy changes," and that "the city is continuously reviewing a private sector-led relaunch."
However, Vice Chairman Park countered, "The fact that it is still under review two and a half years after taking office is tantamount to admitting the collapse of administrative execution capability."
Additionally, political controversy has extended to the debate over the relocation of the Yeoju City Hall, including accusations of 'fear-mongering marketing,' resulting in a divided local public opinion.
The core issue is Mayor Lee's repeated remarks at local meetings and various gatherings that "if a Democratic Party candidate is elected, the new city hall project could be completely scrapped or halted."
According to the city council's transcript released on December 8, Vice Chairman Park stated during the municipal inquiry, "The 150 billion won city hall relocation project has already completed budget approval and design/service contract stages. It is not structured in a way that allows it to be halted or canceled simply because the mayor changes. The mayor's remarks are factually inaccurate and amount to fear-mongering-so-called 'fear marketing.'"
Park continued, "Linking the city's development to the outcome of a particular party's victory ahead of the election poses a significant risk of clouding citizens' rational judgment," and criticized, "The administrative head is, in fact, fueling political strife."
In response, Mayor Lee explained in his municipal answer, "It was intended to confirm various opinions during the debate over the city hall relocation."
Lee Choongwoo, Mayor of Yeoju City (left), and Park Siseon, Vice Chairman of the City Council, during a municipal inquiry session. Provided by Yeoju City Council
Sharp differences also emerged over the promotion of the Urban Regeneration Innovation District. Vice Chairman Park argued, "Although the city promotes it as a central government project, in reality, the city will bear a financial burden of nearly 100 billion won. It is a structure that shifts a massive financial risk onto citizens without prior feasibility verification."
He added, "Given Yeoju's current fiscal conditions, this is essentially a 'speculative investment.' There is a significant risk of passing on a mountain of debt to future generations."
In response, Mayor Lee countered, "We plan to minimize the city's financial burden through a complex structure involving national funding support and private investment. It is an unavoidable choice to restore urban competitiveness."
However, Vice Chairman Park once again raised concerns about the lack of specificity and transparency, saying, "You keep repeating optimistic explanations without projection data or simulations."
Confusion in the local community regarding the opening of the Namhangang Three Weirs sluice gates also became an issue. Vice Chairman Park criticized, "Rumors spread that a full opening of the sluice gates could disrupt the supply of agricultural water, causing severe anxiety among citizens, yet the city failed to provide proper explanations or responses."
He argued, "By not promptly correcting the facts, unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding have grown. This is a clear example of a lack of crisis management capability."
In response, Mayor Lee answered, "This is a matter under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment, and no decision has been made regarding the opening. If necessary, we will consider holding a briefing session for citizens."
Vice Chairman Park dismissed this, saying, "Announcing a briefing only after a problem arises is an example of belated and ineffective administration."
Controversy over the military missile unit also reignited in the plenary session. Vice Chairman Park questioned, "The administration, which had initially left the possibility of establishment open, has suddenly shifted to an 'opposition' stance. Was this due to the mayor's personal political schedule or public opinion?"
He emphasized, "Matters related to national defense should be addressed consistently based on the protection of citizens' safety, the environment, and property rights, not political gains or losses."
In response, Mayor Lee explained, "From the beginning, alleviating citizens' concerns has been the top priority. I have never officially supported the establishment."
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