Gijang County Opposes Unilateral Pungsan Relocation... Requests Busan City to Consider Residents' Opinions

Active Communication Needed with Local Governments and Residents

Busan Gijang-gun (Governor Jeong Jongbok) reiterated its firm opposition to any unilateral relocation without resident acceptance regarding recent media reports that multiple areas in Gijang-gun have been included as potential relocation sites for the defense industry company Poongsan Co., Ltd. On the 16th, the county once again expressed its existing stance and urged Busan City and Poongsan for active communication.

The county strongly pointed out that Busan City is proceeding with the relocation process in secrecy, citing resident complaints, and that there has been no prior consultation or process of gathering opinions with Gijang-gun.

The county stated that the direct stakeholders in the relocation decision are the local government and residents, and excluding both the local residents and the relevant local government from such an important regional matter as the Poongsan relocation is a regressive desk-bound administration that goes against the era of local autonomy and constitutes a unilateral administration that disregards Gijang-gun and its residents.

Furthermore, the county emphasized that, as uncertain information is being delivered in fragments through some media outlets without any official announcement from Busan City, not only is residents' anxiety increasing, but there are also concerns about potential conflict and division within the region. The county stressed that even now, the city should transparently disclose the progress of the relocation and actively communicate with local residents.

Jeong Jongbok, Governor of Gijang-gun, stated, "We have consistently expressed our strong opposition to the relocation of Poongsan without resident acceptance, and this position remains unchanged."

He further warned, "Given the nature of defense industry companies, environmental destruction and infringement on residents' property rights are clearly expected as a result of the relocation. If the current unilateral relocation process continues, it will face strong opposition from local residents."

Gijang County Office.

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