PK "Government Must Show Proactiveness" TK "Pushing Hastily" Divides Opposition Over Gadeokdo

3-Day Land Committee Submits Gadeokdo Special Act
TK·PK Rift... Criticism of Ministry of Land with Different Voices

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] As the special law for Gadukdo New Airport gains momentum, at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee plenary meeting held on the 3rd, members of the ruling People Power Party from Busan·Gyeongnam (PK) and Daegu·Gyeongbuk (TK) expressed opposing views and criticized the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Opposition lawmakers representing PK constituencies launched focused attacks, saying the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's stance on Gaduk New Airport and Gimhae New Airport is unclear. On the other hand, TK-affiliated lawmakers criticized it as hasty legislation.

Lee Heon-seung, a People Power Party lawmaker (Busan Jin-gu Eul), said, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's role is important in the review process of the Gaduk New Airport special law, including public hearings and the bill subcommittee," adding, "The Ministry must show a clear position for the project to proceed swiftly."

Jung Dong-man, a People Power Party lawmaker (Busan Gijang-gun), asked, "Gaduk New Airport is a presidential pledge. Since Minister Byun's inauguration, has the President given any instructions regarding Gaduk New Airport?" emphasizing, "The government’s position must be clear."

Kim Sang-hoon, a People Power Party lawmaker (Daegu Seo-gu), directly questioned, "Is it appropriate to handle Gaduk New Airport in a way that benefits the election of a local leader with a 1 year and 2 months term when the cancellation of Gimhae New Airport has not been finalized?"

Song Eon-seok (Gyeongbuk Gimcheon) also criticized, saying, "The Gadukdo New Airport special law is not included in the national comprehensive land plan," and added, "Is it okay to just push through the law recklessly? Delegating the government's position on Gimhae New Airport to the National Assembly is a very irresponsible attitude. Shouldn't a postponement be requested?"

Currently, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee has both the Daegu Integrated New Airport special law proposed by independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo and the Gadukdo New Airport special law proposed separately by the ruling and opposition parties on the agenda. The committee plans to hold public hearings on Gadukdo New Airport and Daegu New Airport on the 9th and 15th, respectively. The goal is to hold another plenary meeting on the 19th to approve the bills and then finalize them at the plenary session scheduled for the 26th.

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