Suwon City in Awkward Position as Governor Choo Takes Hard Line Against Government

As Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae takes a hard line against the government, Suwon City finds itself in an awkward position regarding projects that desperately require mediation from the province and cooperation with the central government, including military airport relocation, the Southern Metropolitan Railway project, and designation as an Economic Free Zone.

According to Suwon City on the 22nd, the city is pursuing military airport relocation, attracting the Southern Metropolitan Railway, and Economic Free Zone designation as major projects.

However, these projects cannot be pursued by the city alone. They require policy decisions and support from the central government, as well as application filing by Gyeonggi Province, coordination between relevant local governments, and consultation with the central government.

The Gyeonggi International Airport construction project, pursued in connection with military airport relocation, first requires selection of candidate sites by Gyeonggi Province. The city believes the province's decision is urgent, given that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's 7th Comprehensive Airport Development Plan is expected to be announced in the second half of this year.

The Southern Metropolitan Railway also requires support from Gyeonggi Province and policy decisions and budget from the central government. The city is responding through a cooperative system involving the province and four cities to reflect the project in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan, which is set to be announced by year-end.

For the Economic Free Zone, even if the city prepares development plans and designation procedures, Gyeonggi Province must file the designation application with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The city is working with the Gyeonggi Economic Free Zone Authority to finalize development plans.

With pending issues that require the province to consult with the government and mediate between regions piling up, Governor Choo is taking a hard line, publicly criticizing the president and government over the appointment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Division chief and prosecution reform. Kim Min-seok, the floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, has also continued the conflict by raising issues about Governor Choo's local election consulting contract and the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival.

The city is concerned about the impact this political situation could have on project advancement.

First, regarding military airport relocation and Gyeonggi Integrated International Airport construction, the city is closely monitoring whether external conflicts could weaken the momentum for project implementation, as cooperation between the province and central government is necessary.

Particularly, with Gyeonggi Province not yet having selected final candidate sites, the city believes there are limitations in recommending the Gyeonggi International Airport's inclusion in national plans, and the province's decisive action is needed.

The city has identified whether the project is reflected in the 7th Comprehensive Airport Development Plan as a key issue that will determine project implementation momentum over the next five years. If the project is not reflected in the plan, implementation could be suspended until the next plan, potentially delaying regional growth opportunities, the city expressed concern.

The city explained that procedures related to establishing the Economic Free Zone development plan are proceeding normally, and the Southern Metropolitan Railway has not experienced delays due to political matters.

The city plans to continue visiting relevant agencies to recommend inclusion in national plans and pursue consultations.

A city official stated, "Clear decision-making and active commitment from Gyeonggi Province are needed at this time to prevent substantive procedural delays," adding, "We will closely monitor to ensure that implementation momentum is not weakened regardless of the political situation."