Myun Hyungkwan Takes Action Against 40 Billion Won Favoritism and Collusion Allegations: "Smear Campaign, Defamation"

Criticism Over "Corporate City Act Violation, Use of Taxpayer Money" ? Governor Myun: "Legitimate Matching Project"

Flat Denial of Relatives Collusion Allegations: "Defamation Without Fact-Checking"

On 32 Years of Quarry Disputes, Distancing from Predecessors While Promising "Stronger Follow-up Management"

Myun Hyungkwan, Haenam County Governor, has taken a firm stance against allegations of "favoritism and procedural violations" surrounding large-scale development projects in the region, as well as suspicions of collusion with relatives, stating that these claims "seriously distort the facts."

On March 2, Governor Myun used his Facebook account to label the allegations raised by certain media outlets and YouTube channels as "political smear campaigns," strongly urging them to "immediately cease the distortion of facts."

Myunhyungwan, Haenam County Governor

◆Solaseado Ecological Garden: "Corporate Taxpayer Money Injection" vs. "Verified National Project"

The main point of contention is the ecological garden project planned for construction within the Solaseado Corporate City in Sani-myeon. This project, with a total budget of 40 billion won, is set to receive 14 billion won from the county's funds.

Some critics argue that covering infrastructure costs, which should be borne by private companies, with taxpayer money violates Article 19 of the Corporate City Act (Principle of Developer's Burden). In particular, they point to the prepayment of 1.1 billion won for design services before the relevant ordinance was even enacted, criticizing it as "forcibly proceeding in disregard of the law."

In response, Governor Myun cited Article 12 of the Corporate City Act, asserting that "the local government can bear part of the infrastructure costs according to the agreement."

He explained that the project is a campaign pledge of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and a Korea Forest Service matching project (50% national funding, 15% provincial funding, 35% county funding). It has been included in the Ministry of Economy and Finance's budget and passed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's central investment review, making it a "verified national project." Regarding the criticism over the lack of ordinances, he dismissed it as "simply a step-by-step administrative supplementation process."

◆32 Years of Quarry Disputes: "Administrative Neglect" vs. "Predecessors' Responsibility...Strengthening Follow-up Management"

He also addressed the conflict involving the development of 11 quarries in Haenam, a dispute that has continued since 1993. Local residents have been protesting for 32 years, claiming their right to livelihood is threatened due to ongoing noise, airborne dust, and stream pollution.

Governor Myun stated, "It is unfair to hold the current county governor responsible for a project that has continued for 27 years," recalling that the initial quarry permits were an inevitable response to demand from large-scale national projects such as the F1 racetrack.

However, regarding the harm to residents, he emphasized, "We have already issued cessation orders to companies engaged in illegal activities, and for areas where restoration has been delayed, we will take full responsibility through administrative enforcement if necessary," pledging strong follow-up management.

◆Flat Denial of 'Relatives Collusion Allegations'...Hinting at Legal Action

On the highly sensitive issue of "alleged collusion with relatives," Governor Myun drew a clear line.

Addressing the suspicion that one of his relatives is serving as an executive at the corporate city, he refuted, "The individual mentioned in the report is neither within the eighth degree of kinship nor within the fourth degree of marriage-related kinship." He further indicated the possibility of legal action, stating that "speculative reports without any fact-checking constitute clear defamation."

He concluded by emphasizing, "We will repay the trust of county residents through law, principle, and transparent administration, and will steadfastly advance projects for the future of Haenam."

With the clash between raised suspicions and a strong response, the community is now watching to see whether these tangled disputes can be resolved and whether the county government can fully gain the understanding of its residents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.