Gwacheon Mayor and Civic Representatives Call for Withdrawal of Racecourse Housing Supply Plan and Review of Ministry of Justice Relocation

Gwacheon City has consistently requested the withdrawal of the government's housing supply plan for the Racecourse Park and Army Counterintelligence Command sites, as well as a reconsideration of the Ministry of Justice relocation.

On the 30th, Gwacheon Mayor Shin Gae-yong conducted a one-person protest in front of the Blue House, while Gwacheon civic representative Kim Hang-sik held a one-person protest in front of the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Through the one-person protests, they made clear their opposition to the relocation of central government agencies and large-scale housing supply plans without civic consent.

Mayor Shin Gae-yong stated, "It is unacceptable that policies with significant impacts on Gwacheon's future are being pursued without sufficiently hearing citizens' opinions," and emphasized, "The government must develop practical measures to ensure that balanced development policies do not lead to imbalances in existing regions."

The city announced that during the protest, an attempt was made to symbolically arrange seats and tables so that government officials and Gwacheon citizens could sit face-to-face, but this was thwarted due to restrictions by on-site personnel.

Gwacheon City previously held two press conferences in September demanding the withdrawal of the housing supply plan for 9,800 units at the Racecourse Park and Army Counterintelligence Command sites and a reconsideration of the Ministry of Justice relocation. Since October 8th, the mayor and citizens have been continuing one-person protests.

Going forward, Gwacheon City plans to continue demanding consultation and countermeasures from the government alongside citizens, and to respond so that local opinions can be reflected in policy decisions.