Mayor Sung Hyun Baek of Nonsan: "Do Not Undermine Us, Nonsan Moves Forward"

Drawing a Line Against Political Attacks Amid Groundbreaking of Defense Industry Complex and Secured R&D Budget

Sung Hyun Baek, Mayor of Nonsan

Sung Hyun Baek, Mayor of Nonsan in South Chungcheong Province, stated that "Nonsan moves forward," even amid political attacks surrounding the defense industry and large-scale national projects. While he did not mention anyone directly, his message is being interpreted as a response aimed at the ruling party, which has tried to undermine investment attraction and national projects by framing them as "incompetence."

On January 8, Mayor Baek posted on his social media about the progress of the defense industry and key regional projects, writing, "There may be obstacles, but there will be no retreat," and "The defense industry will not be scrapped."

Regarding the withdrawal of a company during the process of attracting investment for the defense industry, he expressed his regret, saying, "It is very painful that the result was driving away an investor."

He added, "That company could have invested in Nonsan in the second and third phases," expressing his disappointment, but also stated, "Even now, if there is strong support from the citizens, we can bring the company back to Nonsan."

He emphasized, "There is excessive administrative interference, but the responsibility and authority lie with the Mayor of Nonsan," and added, "Those who agitate with lies and hypocrisy will be remembered in the records of bad history."

Although he did not mention it directly, his remarks are interpreted as being conscious of the recent criticism from Democratic Party-affiliated provincial and city council members of South Chungcheong, who labeled Nonsan City's administration as "incompetent" in relation to KDI signing an investment agreement with Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province.

Mayor Baek stated, "On February 4, the 2.6 million square meter National Defense Industry Complex will break ground without delay," and added, "Sales will begin after the sales price is set."

Regarding the Defense Future Technology Research Center (R&D), he explained, "A national budget of 5.48 billion won has been confirmed for this year, and with the design process, the establishment of facilities for the commercialization of defense robots will begin."

He also announced that for the Tapjeong Reservoir Resort development, "A technical consulting briefing by Lotte Resort is scheduled for the end of this month."

Screenshot of Baek Seonghyun, Mayor of Nonsan's SNS post

Mayor Baek stated, "From February 6 to 8, an international agricultural product fair will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia," emphasizing, "This is the implementation of the globalization of Nonsan's agricultural products."

He criticized, "People who never picked up a shovel during difficult times are now raising their voices and making loud criticisms everywhere without offering any alternatives," and argued, "This is an outdated political mindset that divides Nonsan."

This is interpreted as a direct rebuttal to the offensive by ruling party local council members who have pushed the "incompetence frame" in connection with the failure to attract defense industry investment.

Mayor Baek said, "Politics should move people with sincerity through philosophy and policy," and added, "It is not a battlefield of emotions, images, and verbal fights."

He particularly emphasized, "Do not imitate others; you need your own character. At the core must be policy, philosophy, sincerity, dedication, and sacrifice."

He continued, "I did not stand by the citizens for 13 years through rain or snow because I am a fool. It was because I had a burning passion to sincerely transform Nonsan," and added, "Excessive ambition leads to disaster. The citizens are wise."