Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum: "Will Halt Creation of Dangjin Smart Livestock Complex"

Meeting with Dangjin Mayor Oh Seonghwan... "If residents oppose, we won't proceed at the cost of causing conflict"

Chungnam Governor Kim Taeheum has decided to halt the creation of the Seokmun Reclaimed Land Smart Livestock Complex in response to opposition from Dangjin citizens.

On the 8th, Governor Kim held a meeting with Dangjin Mayor Oh Seonghwan and stated, "No matter how promising a future policy may be, if local residents oppose it, I will not proceed to the point of causing conflict."

The province had planned, as part of its 8th popularly elected administration's pledges, to establish an ICT convergence smart livestock complex in Seokmun, Dangjin, and Busa reclaimed lands in Boryeong and Seocheon by 2026.

However, residents have strongly opposed the project, citing concerns about environmental pollution from the livestock complex.

Although Governor Kim recently expressed his intention to halt the livestock complex project at a press conference, he reiterated his position to withdraw the project on this day, as residents announced plans for a large-scale rally ahead of his scheduled visit to Dangjin on the 10th.

He did, however, express regret that a particular political party had politicized the project ahead of the general elections. In particular, he criticized National Assemblyman Uh Kigoo, chairman of the National Assembly Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, who represents Dangjin, for opposing the project.

Governor Kim stated, "While the residents' opposition is understandable, it is inappropriate for the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party to lead the opposition and stir up local sentiment. How can Assemblyman Uh, as chairman of the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee, oppose progress toward an advanced livestock industry? He is unfit to be a member of the National Assembly."

He added, "My conviction remains unchanged that the future livestock industry must evolve into a profession where people go to work in suits and return home after work. Although the project will be discontinued, I will personally explain to the residents the planned aspects of the livestock industry and the reasons for halting the project during discussions with the province's citizens."

Mayor Oh said, "I visited because I was concerned that strong opposition from residents might hinder discussions with the province's citizens. I would like to express my gratitude to the governor for readily agreeing to withdraw the project if citizens oppose it."

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