Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, noted on the 31st regarding the recent setbacks in the Gadeokdo New Airport project, 'I will closely examine the process so far to find out what the real problem is and ensure that the project progresses swiftly.'
The candidate stated on that day via Facebook, 'The Gadeokdo New Airport project has become entirely the responsibility of the new government.'
The Gadeokdo New Airport project is a plan to create an airport capable of replacing Gimhae International Airport on a 666,900 square meter land reclaimed from the area, which was actively promoted during the Moon Jae-in administration.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport selected the Hyundai E&C consortium as the contractor after the competitive bidding for the Gadeokdo New Airport site construction failed four times last year, switching to a negotiated contract.
However, on the 30th, Hyundai E&C decided to withdraw from the consortium, stating, 'The government does not accept the additional construction period of 24 months proposed in the basic design plan,' making the government's goal of 'opening in December 2029' uncertain.
The candidate remarked, 'Although the Gadeokdo New Airport Special Law was passed in 2021, it wasn't until last October, three years later, that a contractor was finally appointed, and even that is now at risk of being suspended,' adding, 'The disappointment of the citizens of Busan, who hope for the opening of the Gadeokdo New Airport as soon as possible, must be immense.'
He further stated, 'The Gadeokdo New Airport is a new strategy for national development that will restore economic vitality to the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do regions and drive the growth of the Southeast Mega City,' asserting, 'The Democratic Party will responsibly promote the Gadeokdo New Airport project that we initiated.'