Iksan City Enforces Forced Sealing of Unauthorizedly Occupied 'Local Food Eoyang Branch'

"Over 50 Days of Unauthorized Occupation After Contract Expiry"

Cooperative Resumes Business... City Plans Criminal Charges

City Launches Emergency Measures to Protect Farmers’ Sales Channels

On April 23, Iksan City in Jeollabuk-do enforced a forced sealing measure against the 'Iksan Local Food Direct Market Eoyang Branch,' which refused to voluntarily return the premises and continued unauthorized business operations after the end of its consignment contract. However, after the cooperative forcibly removed the sealed facilities and resumed business, Iksan City announced a strong response, including criminal charges.

On the 23rd, Iksan City in Jeonbuk took forced sealing measures against the 'Iksan Local Food Direct Store Eoyang Branch,' which continued unauthorized occupancy and business operations even after the contract period ended. Photo by Iksan City

According to Iksan City, the Eoyang Branch is a shared property owned by the city and was built with taxpayer money. The cooperative that had previously operated the facility under a consignment contract saw its contract expire at the end of February, which obligated them to return the facility to the city. However, the cooperative refused to comply with the return request and continued unauthorized occupation for over 50 days.

During this period, Iksan City repeatedly requested voluntary evacuation, taking into account the potential losses for farmers and inconvenience to citizens, and waited for an autonomous resolution. However, as the cooperative did not comply with the administrative order, the city decided to proceed with forced sealing to protect public property and uphold the rule of law.

In response, the cooperative dismantled the sealing facilities installed by the city and continued its business operations. The city has defined this as a direct challenge to public authority and stated it will use all possible legal means, including criminal charges against those involved and resealing the facility.

Iksan City has also initiated emergency measures to support the farmers affected by this incident. To ensure that farmers who previously supplied goods to the Eoyang Branch do not lose their sales channels, the city is cooperating with five Iksan Nonghyup locations (Pyeonghwa, Mohyeon, Inhwa, Dongsan, and Eoyang) to support distribution to nearby direct markets.

Starting today, a new 'Thursday Win-Win Market' opened at the Iksan Culture and Sports Center and will operate every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, from April 29, the city plans to operate the Harim Market (on Wednesdays), which will be managed directly by the Emergency Response Committee that did not participate in the unauthorized occupation.

Furthermore, a 'Friday Win-Win Market' is being held every Friday in the first-floor lobby of Iksan City Hall, selling 17 items including vegetables, fruits, and eggs. Since its pilot operation in March, it has recorded an average daily sales of around 5 million won, contributing to farmers' income. Iksan City is also working with private distribution networks to establish a dedicated local food section of about 66 square meters inside a large food materials mart, aiming to begin operations as early as May.

An Iksan City official stated, "The Eoyang Branch is not the property of a specific organization, but belongs to all citizens. We will respond without compromise to any actions that undermine the rule of law, while providing administrative support to ensure that well-intentioned farmers do not suffer damages."

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