Democratic Party Jinju City Council Members: "Jinju Daecheop Square Should Reflect the Historical Significance of Jinju Fortress and the Civil-Military Resistance"

Lawmakers Assert "Reconstruct Space Where the Spirit of History Lives in Harmony with Jinju Fortress"

City Says "Made Great Efforts Including Proper Administrative Procedures and Resident Briefings During Project"

On the 4th, Democratic Party members of the Jinju City Council in Gyeongnam held a press conference in the briefing room of Jinju City Hall, asserting, "Jinju Daecheop Square should be reconstructed as a space that harmonizes with Jinju Fortress and breathes with the spirit of history."

Jinju Daecheop Square, which has been promoted since 2007, was initiated to enhance the historical significance of the Jinju Daecheop, inspire the spirit of patriotism and loyalty in Jinju, and turn the site of overcoming national crises into a tourism resource to attract more visitors. With a project budget of 94 billion KRW, the development includes an underground parking lot on the first basement level, and above ground, only minimal park support facilities and a historical park, with completion scheduled for the 25th.

Democratic Party city councilors of Jinju are holding a press conference on the 4th at the Jinju City Hall briefing room.

As the completion date approaches and the external barricades have been removed, revealing the square, controversy has arisen over the park support facilities. Critics argue that the concrete structures block the view of Jinju Fortress and that their shape evokes an image of attacking the fortress.

At the press conference, they stated, "There was a significant lack of public opinion gathering in the process of creating this historical space symbolizing Jinju," and added, "The current state of Jinju Daecheop Square raises serious concerns about the loss of historical value and landscape. The square should embody the historical significance of Jinju Fortress and the resistance of civilians, officials, and soldiers. The concrete structures undermine this historical value and overwhelm and block the gates of Jinju Fortress."

They further urged, "This project needs a comprehensive review from a long-term perspective. Regardless of the completion status, we must come together with citizens to seek future solutions."

Previously, on the 26th of last month, members of the Urban Environment Committee of Jinju City Council affiliated with the People Power Party also held a press conference, stating, "There is growing criticism over the lack of communication and procedural shortcomings during the promotion of the Jinju Daecheop Square project," and called for its demolition.

However, the city refuted the city council's claims, stating that it is unacceptable for the council to demand demolition at the time of completion, citing procedural deficiencies and lack of communication.

A Jinju City official explained, "We provided an on-site briefing during the Urban Environment Committee's inspection last October. The relevant matters were also reported during the regular city council meeting in November of the same year," and added, "The city has made considerable efforts, including following proper administrative procedures, undergoing review by the National Heritage Administration, reporting to the city council, consulting with the advisory committee for the Daecheop Square project, and conducting resident promotions and briefings."

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