Ahead of the Democratic Party Yeongam-Muan-Shinan Runoff, Conflict Over 'Gwangju Military Airport Muan Relocation Support and Opposition'

Seosamseok "Clearly Opposes Moving Gwangju Military Airport to Muan"

Kim Taesung "Mainstream Local Politicians and Some Groups Blindly Oppose Relocation"

With the runoff election between the two Democratic Party of Korea preliminary candidates for the Yeongam·Muan·Shinan district, Kim Taeseong and Seo Samsuk, just one day away, conflicts over the 'Gwangju Military Airport Muan Relocation Support and Opposition' have erupted.

The Gwangju Combat Airfield Muan Relocation Opposition Pan-Citizen Countermeasure Committee held a press conference on the 15th at the square in front of Muan County Office, expressing opposition to the pledge of some National Assembly preliminary candidates regarding the relocation of Gwangju Military Airport to Muan.

In their statement, the committee explained the background of the press conference, saying, "In a situation where the absolute majority of 100,000 Muan residents oppose it, we have been fighting to uphold the will of the residents and protect their right to pursue happiness and right to survival."

In particular, preliminary candidate Seo Samsuk stated through a press release on the same day that he "clearly opposes the relocation of Gwangju Military Airport to Muan."

On the 16th and 17th, the final election will be held featuring (from left) preliminary candidates Kim Tae-seong and Seo Sam-seok.

Candidate Seo said, "First, the relocation of Gwangju Military Airport and the relocation of the civilian airport are separate issues. Moving Gwangju Civilian Airport to Muan International Airport was decided as part of a national plan to integrate by 2021," and added, "The relocation of Gwangju Military Airport cannot be a condition for the civilian airport relocation."

He continued, "Even if the Gwangju Military Airport moves to Muan, the noise will not disappear," emphasizing, "The relocation of Gwangju Military Airport to Muan does not help Muan's development at all. Forcing burdens on agricultural and fishing villages for the convenience of large cities, sacrificing the minority for the majority, is never the spirit of the Democratic Party."

He further stated, "Military airports are important national strategic facilities closely related to national security, and decisions must be made based on national plans grounded in law and fully reflecting the opinions of local residents," adding, "Relocation to Muan led by a specific minority or metropolitan local government heads is unlikely to be feasible or a solution. It is desirable for the Ministry of National Defense to review from a military strategic perspective and begin discussions on the consolidation and closure of military airports."

Regarding this, preliminary candidate Kim Taeseong told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Since the airport consolidation and relocation issue has long triggered conflicts in the local community, a healthy discussion forum involving the majority of residents should be opened to transparently resolve this issue," proposing "a TV debate among National Assembly candidates or a public hearing with resident participation as prerequisites."

He also pointed out, "Above all, despite the fact that the integrated relocation of the airport can create enormous economic effects and growth engines through revitalization of the local economy, the mainstream local political circles and some organizations blindly oppose the relocation, hindering regional development, which is unfair."

Finally, he said, "Although local public opinion shows more support than opposition for the airport relocation, local governments are spending huge budgets on promotional activities that only highlight the damages caused by the relocation," adding, "This distorts the public opinion of local residents toward opposition."

The Democratic Party of Korea has not found a candidate with more than half the votes in the Yeongam·Muan·Shinan electoral district primary, so the candidate will be finalized through a runoff vote between the first and second place candidates from the 16th to the 17th. The runoff candidates are Kim Taeseong and Seo Samsuk.

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