Kim Sook-hee, Bupyeong District Councillor: “The Odour of Gulpo Stream and Redevelopment Conflicts, the ‘Familiarity’ of Administration is Increasing Residents' Suffering”

As complaints about odours arise from the completed Gulpo Stream ecological river, voices have emerged criticising Bupyeong District's outdated response methods and its chronic inability to mediate conflicts at redevelopment sites.

Kim Sook-hee, a member of the Bupyeong District Council's Urban Environment Committee (People Power Party, Galsan 1·2, Samsan 1-dong), urged for a proactive change in Bupyeong District's attitude during the 5th Urban Environment Committee meeting of the 274th extraordinary session held on the 3rd, mentioning the health project for Gulpo Stream and complaints regarding the reconstruction of Samsan Daebong Apartments.

Kim targeted the odour issue that began after the restoration of Gulpo Stream. She expressed concern, stating, “Even in winter, a faint odour is emanating, and during the summer when temperatures rise, complaints will explode,” questioning the effectiveness of the currently installed spray-type blocking facilities.

She emphasised, “We are habitually repeating methods that have failed in other municipalities,” and urged, “Do not rely solely on the advice of the Environmental Corporation; we should actively consider more advanced technologies, like those used in Seoul's Cheonggyecheon or Jungnangcheon, and reflect them in the second health project.”

Regarding the conflict at the Samsan Daebong Apartments reconstruction site, she strongly criticised the administration's ‘absence on site’. Kim stated, “From the time of demolition, complaints about asbestos detection and exterior wall cracks have poured in, yet the department only emphasises legal boundaries while holding onto the phone,” and insisted, “If the large construction company shows a dismissive attitude towards the district office and residents, the district office, which holds the permit authority, must strongly pressure them to resolve the issue.”

In particular, Kim noted, “I understand that legally halting construction is difficult, but what residents want is genuine empathy and persuasion from the administration,” and urged, “Please show active mediation efforts that residents can feel, rather than formal visits.”

Additionally, Kim pointed out concerns about the increased financial burden on the district due to the extension of the Bupyeong Innovation Centre's construction period and the potential stagnation of projects due to the discovery of golden frogs in the Samsan 4 district. She added, “Please ensure thorough communication with residents and consultations with environmental groups to prevent damage to landowners who have waited for over 20 years.”

In her concluding remarks, Kim stated, “We must not repeat the mistakes of large-scale projects that require enormous budgets returning to square one,” and encouraged, “Public officials should not hesitate to find new alternatives and move dynamically.”