Governor Kim Donggon Criticizes Governor Kim Taehum for "Strangling Cheongyang County and Discriminating Against Residents"

Escalating Tensions Over Jicheon Dam
Harsh Criticism and Budget Pressure Spark Outcry
Governor Accused of "Holding Residents Hostage"

Kim Donggon, the governor of Cheongyang County, held a press conference on the 14th and reacted against Governor Kim Taehum of Chungnam's statement to cut the supplementary budget related to the construction of Jicheon Dam, calling it "a stranglehold using the budget as a hostage and discrimination against the residents."/Cheongyang County Office

Amid escalating conflict over the construction of Jicheon Dam in Cheongyang, South Chungcheong Province, Governor Kim Taehum's remarks about cutting Cheongyang County's supplementary budget have sparked controversy.

Kim Donggon, the governor of Cheongyang County, strongly opposed the remarks, calling them "a stranglehold using the residents' livelihood budget as a hostage and discrimination against the province's residents." He also urged the Ministry of Environment "not to delay its policy decision any further."

On August 11, during a meeting with the heads of departments in South Chungcheong Province, Governor Kim Taehum criticized Governor Kim Donggon, saying, "After dragging out the issue of Jicheon Dam construction, now that the administration is about to change and the election is approaching, you say you won't proceed with the dam."

He further fueled controversy by making harsh comments such as, "Aren't you just trying to read the room, dragging your feet like you’re making excuses?" and "If you run for (the next) county governor, do you think you’ll be elected?" He also stated that he would consider cutting Cheongyang County's supplementary budget.

In response, on August 14, Governor Kim Donggon held a press briefing at the county office's main conference room and clearly stated, "While I agree on the need to resolve the national water shortage, I am firmly opposed to dam construction that unilaterally harms the local community."

He emphasized, "The construction of Jicheon Dam is not a project requested by Cheongyang County, but rather a national and provincial initiative to address the climate crisis and resolve water shortages in the northwestern region of South Chungcheong."

He continued, "In September last year, we delivered seven items of residents' concerns and demands to the Ministry of Environment, and in April this year, we again requested specific local projects such as expanding sewage treatment and water supply facilities." He added, "In May, we proposed major regional development projects such as the creation of a large-scale silver town to South Chungcheong Province, but support measures from the Ministry of Environment and the province have not yet been finalized."

Governor Kim Donggon pointed out, "I have repeatedly stated that we will collect residents' opinions and make a final decision based on the results of the basic planning study and whether local development measures are reflected. Nevertheless, Governor Kim's mention of supplementary budget cuts along with direct criticism is a statement that holds residents' budget hostage."

He criticized, "Are you saying it's okay to neglect Cheongyang just because our population is less than 30,000?" and added, "This undermines budgetary independence and puts pressure on our residents. Governor Kim's remarks about cutting the supplementary budget are a clear attempt to strangle Cheongyang County."

Regarding the Jicheon Dam controversy, Governor Kim Donggon also said, "What matters more than the number of supporters or opponents is minimizing conflict and maximizing local interests. Although the new administration has confirmed a policy of reconsidering new dam construction, the timing and method remain unclear. To prevent prolonged division and conflict among residents, the Ministry of Environment must make a prompt policy decision."

He further stressed, "A community divided into opposing sides does not help future growth or integration. As county governor, I will do my utmost to protect the interests of the region and its residents."

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