Kim Du-kwan: "Gadeokdo New Airport Is Not for Election Purposes... Must Accelerate for 2028 Completion"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Du-gwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that the construction of the Gadukdo New Airport should be pursued with a sense of urgency aiming for completion in 2028. In response to criticism that the Gadukdo New Airport is for the Busan mayoral by-election, he rebutted, saying, "The decision on Gimhae New Airport by the Park Geun-hye administration was for election purposes," and "(The Gadukdo New Airport) is not being done because of elections. It is for national land multi-polarization."

On the morning of the 17th, Kim appeared on MBC Radio and was asked, "Do you understand that the Gimhae New Airport plan has been scrapped?" He replied, "Yes, that's what I have heard." He added, "We anticipate that if the Gimhae New Airport expansion plan fails, it will be settled toward the Gadukdo New Airport, and the provincial governors and political circles are supporting it."

Kim said, "Since the 2030 World Expo was hosted by Busan Metropolitan City, it is necessary to proceed very quickly to complete it around 2028," and added, "I am concerned that just because the Gimhae New Airport plan was canceled, it does not immediately lead to the Gadukdo New Airport and that new procedures must be followed."

When asked about the criticism that the Gadukdo New Airport is for the Busan mayoral by-election, he responded, "Actually, I think the Park Geun-hye administration's decision in 2016 to go with Gimhae New Airport was an election strategy." He continued, "As a result, we wasted several precious years. Although it coincidentally coincides with the Busan mayoral by-election, it cannot be delayed any longer. It is not being done because of elections," and emphasized, "the Gadukdo New Airport plays a decisive role in national land multi-polarization, so it is not for elections but something that must be done."

When asked about the impact of the Gadukdo New Airport on the Busan mayoral by-election, he said, "Rather, since the People Power Party holds a much larger number of seats, even their members agree that they have no choice but to support the Gadukdo New Airport for the future of Busan, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan."

Regarding opposition from Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin and People Power Party members from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, he said, "As far as I know, Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, has also expressed a position to actively support the Gadukdo New Airport." He added, "Members of the National Assembly with constituencies in Busan and Gyeongnam also recognize this as a great historical foundation for the mega-city, so politically, it is set to be quickly decided in favor of the Gadukdo New Airport."

Regarding the Democratic Party's candidates for the Busan mayoral by-election, Kim said, "The party and the Busan city party are in contact with Kim Young-choon, Secretary-General of the National Assembly, former Supreme Council member Kim Hae-young, and former city council chairman Park In-young, and are requesting their participation. (In the case of Secretary-General Kim) since he missed the chance to run for Busan mayor two years ago, I hear he cannot refuse the party's request."

Meanwhile, on his own potential presidential bid, Kim said, "I am listening to some opinions. I understand that Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is still hopeful because the Supreme Court appeal trial remains pending," but he was reserved in his remarks.

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