Ruling Party and Government Discuss Military Protection Zone Lifting... Seo Wook Says "Areas Not Eligible for Lifting Will Also Be Consulted with Local Governments"

by Jeon Jinyoung

Published 14 Jan.2021 08:44(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea and the Ministry of National Defense will select areas to be released from or eased within military facility protection zones on the 14th. Minister of National Defense Seo Wook announced at the meeting that even areas not subject to release will have consultation tasks delegated to local governments.

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks at the party-government meeting on the lifting and easing of military facility protection zones held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 14th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the same day, the party and government discussed this plan to select areas for release from protection zones, excluding those necessary for military operations, at the National Assembly Members' Office Building.

In his opening remarks, Minister Seo said, “We have thoroughly identified protection zones that must be maintained for military operations and prepared measures to release or ease restrictions in areas excluding those zones,” adding, “For some areas where protection zone release is restricted, we have decided to delegate consultation tasks to local governments to alleviate residents' inconveniences.”

Minister of National Defense Seo Wook is delivering opening remarks at the government-party meeting on the lifting and easing of military facility protection zones held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 14th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

He stated, “This measure was taken not only after reviewing the regions but also proactively identifying areas where the military operational environment has changed,” and added, “We will actively review opinions from the party-government consultation and strive to continuously develop policies and systems.”

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, also emphasized the need for easing restrictions, saying, “Operating military facilities in coexistence with local communities is one of the win-win cooperation methods between civilians and the military,” and “In the past, the military occupied land and infringed on the property rights of local residents.”

Floor leader Kim stressed, “Even installing vinyl greenhouses required military approval,” and “The border areas of northern Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province have faced significant difficulties in revitalizing the local economy, which caused considerable conflicts between residents of military protection zones and local governments.”

The meeting was also attended by Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Choi Moon-soon, Governor of Gangwon Province, both of whom oversee border areas. Governor Lee said, “When special sacrifices are required, appropriate compensation is necessary, and before discussing that, it is important to minimize sacrifices,” and expressed gratitude on behalf of the residents for the party-government efforts.

Governor Choi also expressed thanks, saying, “This measure will be a good example proving that ‘peace is directly linked to the economy,’” and “If released, property rights can be exercised and development will be possible. Therefore, this measure holds the greatest value and will greatly help revitalize the local economy.”

The party and government have been promoting measures to release or ease military facility protection zones every year for the past three years in respect of citizens' property rights. Last year, they released an area of 77 square kilometers, equivalent to 26.6 times the size of Yeouido.