'Floundering' Operation Policy... Controversy Over Jeju 2nd Airport Conflict Council

[Anchor]

Controversy is growing over the change in the operation policy of the dedicated body established to resolve conflicts surrounding the Jeju 2nd airport project, which was altered in just about a month. During the administrative audit, doubts were raised about the effectiveness of the council, alongside demands for the provincial governor to take direct and responsible action.

This report is by Ha Chang-hoon from JIBS.

[Reporter]

On September 8, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced three major principles for resolving conflicts regarding the 2nd airport.

The core was an integrated operation where the conflict mediation council, based on local ordinances, would also take on the role of the environmental impact conflict mediation council during the environmental impact assessment process.

However, during Governor Wi Sung-gon's press conference marking 100 days in office, the direction was changed to operate the two bodies separately.

Criticism over this situation continued during the administrative audit targeting the Jeju Provincial Government.

Lawmakers specifically pointed out that no explanation was provided for the shift in operation direction.

[Yang Young-sik / Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Council : Is the reason for changing the integrated operation policy a legal issue, or is it a political judgment?]

The Jeju Provincial Government explained that it was not due to legal issues, but rather intended to reduce confusion arising from similar names.

However, concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of the council.

Questions were raised as to whether either side of the pro-and-con factions regarding the 2nd airport would accept the conclusion if one side refused to participate.

It was also pointed out that the council is actually fueling conflicts.

[Kang Jung-beom / Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Council : Looking at the current situation alone, I think the conflict mediation council is only causing confusion and inciting conflict.]

Provincial lawmakers demanded that the provincial government first clarify its internal stance and legal basis for conflict management.

In particular, both ruling and opposition parties emphasized that Governor Wi Sung-gon should directly present a method for gathering opinions and assume political responsibility.

As the conflict mediation council, promoted to resolve more than a decade of disputes, loses trust even before its launch, growing concerns are emerging that it may instead become a spark for further conflict.

(Videojournalist : Ko Seung-han, JIBS)

Ha Chang-hoon, JIBS
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.