"Normalization of Ungdong District 1 Underway"... Economic Free Zone Authority Refutes Extinct Fisheries Cooperative's Claims

"Gyeongnam Development Corporation's Alternative Designation Is Justified"

"Review of Incorporating Project Plans Upon Submission"

The Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone Authority (headed by Park Seong-ho) has clarified its position regarding the press conference held by the Jinhae·Uichang Extinct Fisheries Cooperative, stating that the normalization of the Ungdong District 1 project is proceeding as planned.

On May 20, the Authority released an explanatory statement, emphasizing, "The designation of Gyeongnam Development Corporation as the alternative project operator is a measure that has secured both judicial and administrative legitimacy," and added, "We are also maintaining ongoing consultations with the extinct fisheries stakeholders."

According to the Authority, various measures were initially considered to resolve complaints related to the livelihood of fisheries workers, including dividing the district and granting operator status. Later, a proposal to secure rights through partial completion was also presented, but the cooperative expressed its opposition, so the plan was not implemented.

The Authority explained that during the project initiation meeting for the 'Basic Plan and Feasibility Study Service' held in April, the Extinct Fisheries Cooperative was in attendance, and it was agreed that the cooperative would submit its opinions and requests for additional or modified permitted uses, as well as business plans, during the course of the study.

Regarding the decision to re-designate Gyeongnam Development Corporation as the sole project operator, the Authority stated, "This decision was made to address structural issues that arose in the previous joint implementation system with Changwon City and to establish a responsible project management structure."

The Authority further noted that, in the first trial ruling of the lawsuit against Changwon City, the court recognized the Authority's stance by determining that the relationship between the joint operators was that of a cooperative relationship.

The Authority also commented on the public audit petition filed by the Extinct Fisheries Cooperative with the Board of Audit and Inspection last year, stating, "The Board determined that there were no procedural issues in the administrative process, so the audit was neither conducted nor initiated and the case was closed."

Regarding the suspension of the project operator recruitment, the Authority explained that it was a policy decision made in consideration of the ongoing litigation and the suspension of enforcement at the time.

Park Seong-ho, Commissioner of the Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone Authority, stressed, "We are prioritizing the normalization of Ungdong District 1 as our top task," and added, "We will continue to communicate with stakeholders and address local concerns while ensuring the project progresses without delay."

Busanjin-Hai Economic Free Zone Authority.

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