President Lee Jaemyung stated that it is not appropriate to grant casino licenses for foreigners to private individuals or specific entities.
On December 16, President Lee remarked during a work report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and others at the Sejong Convention Center, "There are considerable profits generated from casinos for foreigners, so it would be good for the Ministry to consider this when making future policy decisions."
He further explained, "This is essentially gambling. The state is permitting gambling for a special purpose and making money from it. Why should it be handed over to private individuals or specific companies? That is why people call it a privilege." He added, "Shouldn't foreigner-only casinos be managed in the public sector, and shouldn't the profits be used for public benefit?"
In addition, President Lee received an explanation from Yoon Doohyun, CEO of Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), regarding the process by which the government has granted casino licenses to foreign companies. When President Lee asked, "There are no casinos in the Honam region. Why is that?" Minister Choi Hwiyoung of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism responded, "Local governments have expressed interest, but practical reviews such as demand surveys have yielded negative results."
President Lee then asked, "Does this mean there is no demand for foreign tourists? Why do local governments request it, then?" Minister Choi replied, "There is also the perspective that having a casino would attract more tourists."
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