[Comprehensive] Debate Over 'Noh Mu-hyun Airport'..."A Heartwarming Name" vs "The One Who Said Leave Just a Tombstone"

Gadeokdo New Airport Plan First Reviewed During Participatory Government
Some Propose the Name 'Roh Moo-hyun International Airport'

The view of Gadeokdo, Busan on the 16th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Amid proposals from some ruling party members to name the Busan Gadukdo New Airport project, promoted by the Democratic Party of Korea, as the 'Roh Moo-hyun International Airport,' criticism has emerged from certain quarters. It is argued that this does not align with the late President Roh Moo-hyun's legacy, who emphasized integrity even after his term.

On the 19th, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk shared an article on his Facebook page suggesting that "the ruling party's Gadukdo New Airport project might be a move aimed at the Busan mayoral by-election next April," and proposed, "I would gladly accept such criticism if the airport is named 'Gadukdo Roh Moo-hyun International Airport.'"

Some pro-government supporters expressed their agreement in the comments. They sent supportive messages such as "It is a name befitting a new international airport," "A name that stirs deep emotions and excitement," and "If it doesn't happen this time, please do it later, Minister."

The suggestion of naming it 'Roh Moo-hyun Airport' from within the ruling party is interpreted as a tribute to the Participatory Government, which first officially reviewed the Gadukdo New Airport plan.

Earlier on the 17th, the Gimhae New Airport Verification Committee under the Prime Minister's Office announced that it would reconsider the construction of Gimhae New Airport from scratch, which is expected to give momentum to the plan to build Busan Gadeokdo New Airport. The photo shows a model airplane installed at the Daehanghang Observatory in Gadeokdo, Busan, on the afternoon of the 16th. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Park Jae-ho, a Democratic Party lawmaker who served as the Blue House political secretary during the Participatory Government, emphasized on his Facebook in September, "The Gadukdo New Airport is President Roh Moo-hyun's legacy." In fact, the official government-level review of the Gadukdo New Airport took place during former President Roh's administration. However, under former President Lee Myung-bak, after conducting a preliminary feasibility study, the Gadukdo Airport plan was scrapped.

In 2016, during the Park Geun-hye administration, one of the world's top three airport design firms, France's Paris Airport Engineering, conducted a feasibility study and concluded that the Gadukdo New Airport lacked competitiveness. This was due to unfavorable weather conditions such as typhoons posing risks during aircraft takeoff and landing, as well as high construction costs.

However, after the Gimhae New Airport Verification Committee under the Prime Minister's Office announced on the 17th that "a fundamental review is necessary" regarding the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's plan to build Gimhae New Airport, some ruling party lawmakers began supporting Gadukdo New Airport as an alternative, giving momentum to the Gadukdo airport construction plan. Some Democratic Party lawmakers representing constituencies in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam are pushing for a special law to expedite the construction of Gadukdo New Airport.

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, spoke at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 19th. / Photo by Yonhap News

However, criticism arose regarding the name 'Roh Moo-hyun International Airport.'

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, criticized at the party's Supreme Council meeting on the 19th, saying, "As soon as the verification committee's announcement came out, the ruling party is treating the Gadukdo New Airport as a done deal and even leaking the name 'Roh Moo-hyun Airport.'" He added, "What they want is not the development of Busan but only the victory of the Democratic Party."

Kim Geun-sik, professor at Gyeongnam National University and head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district committee in Seoul, sarcastically criticized, "If you are going to name it, actively consider 'Oh Geo-don International Airport.' The by-election happened due to Mayor Oh Geo-don's sexual harassment, and Gadukdo was revived for that election."

There were also remarks that the name 'Roh Moo-hyun International Airport' does not align with the late president's legacy. Professor Kim said, "Invoking former President Roh Moo-hyun's name (for the airport) is excessive," and "I think President Roh himself would not find it appropriate."

Hwang Kyo-ik, a taste columnist known for his pro-government stance, also criticized on Facebook that day, saying, "There is talk about naming Gadukdo Airport after Roh Moo-hyun. He was someone who said to leave only a very small monument near his home. He would dislike it."

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