Kim Won-jin, Chair of the Planning and Administrative Committee of Seo-gu, Incheon: “They said it was an international financial district, but it’s just office-tels... ‘Shell development’ must stop”

Criticism has been raised that the key development projects in Seo-gu, Incheon, are being filled mainly with residential facilities such as office-tels, contrary to their original purpose. Although the Seo-gu Office has proclaimed the ‘strengthening of institutional consultation rights’, there are no concrete implementation plans, leading to accusations of ‘performative administration’.

Kim Won-jin, Chair of the Planning and Administrative Committee of the Incheon Seo-gu Council (Democratic Party, Cheongna 1-2-dong), targeted the issues of the Cheongna International City and Geomam station area development projects during the major work report of the Policy Planning Department at the 278th extraordinary session held on the 3rd.

Chairman Kim pointed out the current status of the Cheongna International City development and criticized the administration's complacent response. He stated, “Looking at the report on the international financial district project, all we see since 2019 until 2026 is news of office-tel construction,” and criticized, “The name ‘international financial district’ is meaningless as commercial and financial facilities are sidelined, and in reality, only residential facilities are being established.”

He continued, “There is a great concern that the international business district in the Nagu area will also flow towards mixed-use or office-tel developments like the previous Gagu area,” emphasizing, “The initial purpose of the project has disappeared, and the current situation where it only serves as a residential facility is a very serious problem.”

There was also sharp scrutiny regarding the ‘strengthening of consultation rights for balanced development projects’ announced by the Seo-gu Office in the work report. Chairman Kim pointed out, “It is inappropriate for the responsible department to respond that it is unfortunate that opinions submitted to Incheon City or the Economic Bureau are not accepted,” and noted, “There is a lack of a concrete work plan on how to strengthen consultation rights.”

He particularly stressed, “To soothe the disappointment of residents due to changes in the Incheon subway line 3, strengthening communication channels is essential,” and demanded, “Regularize meetings involving residents, the Seo-gu Office, and developers when promoting specific development projects, and work together with the council to exert substantial influence.”

Chairman Kim encouraged proactive administration by mentioning past cases where the district actively voiced its opinions during the naming process of the Third Incheon Bridge. He stated, “For large-scale development projects, which are also part of the mayor's pledges, to proceed as originally planned or in the direction desired by residents, more thorough reviews are needed,” and urged, “Let’s communicate again with the Seo-gu Office regarding the sluggish issues such as the Geomam station area development.”

In response, a district official said, “We will reflect the concerns raised by the council members, enhance our consultation capabilities with related agencies, and prepare specific measures to ensure that residents' opinions are actively reflected.”