Dongducheon Citizens' Committee Demands Immediate Reversal of 30 Billion Won Cut to U.S. Military Return Site Development Fund

Provincial Council Completely Cuts 30 Billion Won Fund for Northern Gyeonggi U.S. Base Site Development
"Over 70 Years of Sacrifice Ignored" vs. "Livelihood and Welfare Take Priority"
Governor Kim Dongyeon's 300 Billion Won Base Site Fund Faces Crisis in Its First Year

The Dongducheon City Regional Development Citizens' Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) strongly opposed the Gyeonggi Provincial Council's decision on December 2 to completely cut the 30 billion won fund for the development of U.S. military return sites from next year's main budget, and demanded the immediate restoration of the budget.

The Dongducheon City Regional Development Citizens' Committee strongly opposes the decision by the Gyeonggi Provincial Council on the 2nd to completely cut the 30 billion won fund for the development of U.S. military return sites from next year's main budget. Provided by the Dongducheon City Regional Development Citizens' Committee

On this day, the Committee held a joint press conference in front of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council together with civic groups from northern Gyeonggi, criticizing, "The 30 billion won cut is not a simple budget adjustment, but a serious setback that undermines the very beginning of the recovery plan for northern Gyeonggi."

Last month, Gyeonggi Province allocated 30 billion won as the first-year budget for the development fund for returned U.S. military sites, which is planned to total 300 billion won over the next ten years. However, the Provincial Council's Planning and Finance Committee redirected the entire amount to restore welfare programs, resulting in a complete cut of the fund.

The Committee pointed out that, "Northern Gyeonggi has endured structural sacrifices for over 70 years in the name of national security, including restrictions on land use, delayed development, and regional economic stagnation." They added, "Both the government and Gyeonggi Province have acknowledged the need for 'compensation for sacrifice,' so this measure once again marginalizes northern Gyeonggi."

Furthermore, the Committee argued, "The President himself has stated at a town hall meeting that 'special sacrifices must be met with special compensation,' and Gyeonggi Province has officially announced the creation of a 300 billion won fund over ten years. The Provincial Council has now overturned this policy direction and promise."

Members of various civic organizations and local residents attended the press conference, chanting slogans such as, "A supplementary budget is not a promise, restore it immediately," "Fulfill the 300 billion won fund over 10 years," and "Stop marginalizing northern Gyeonggi," emphasizing the necessity of restoring the budget.

Shim Woohyun, Chairman of the Committee, stated, "The 30 billion won cut is a decision that structurally blocks the future of northern Gyeonggi. The Committee is not asking for special favors, but for our rightful claims." He continued, "Starting with this press conference, we will closely monitor the Council's decisions and continue to take action to ensure that regional recovery and the development of the returned sites proceed without disruption."

Park Hyungdeok, Mayor of Dongducheon City, also expressed deep concern over this decision.

Mayor Park Hyungdeok said, "The return of U.S. military bases in northern Gyeonggi is the result of long-standing sacrifices endured for national security, and compensation for this has already been officially promised by both the government and Gyeonggi Province as a national policy." He pointed out, "The 30 billion won cut is not just a budget adjustment, but a decision that sets back balanced regional development." He further emphasized, "It is very concerning that even the minimal starting point for the future of the region is being shaken. The budget must be restored, considering fairness among residents and the responsibility toward northern Gyeonggi."

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