On May 3, Incheon civic groups opposed relocating the Korea Environment Corporation outside the region and called for an end to use of the metropolitan landfill.
The Geomdan Citizens’ Coalition and the Broad Civic Movement to Resolve Metropolitan Landfill Issues held a rally at Handeul No. 1 Neighborhood Park in Seo-gu, Incheon. They said the government is considering relocating the Korea Environment Corporation without first closing the metropolitan landfill and urged Incheon’s political leaders to press the president and the government to take a clear position before the June 3 local elections.
Some 200 people attended the rally, including civic leaders, Yoo Jeong-bok — the People Power Party’s pre-candidate for Incheon mayor — and Lee Haeng-suk, the party’s Seo-gu B district chair.
They demanded that the government and local political leaders exclude the Korea Environment Corporation from any relocation, transfer jurisdiction over SL Corporation to the city of Incheon, and establish a presidential-level task force to address the issue.
Joo Kyung-sook, head of the Geomdan Citizens’ Coalition, said the relocation push, the government’s failure to take responsibility for the metropolitan landfill, and the continued importation of household waste represent a pattern of long-standing injustice toward Incheon and amount to a betrayal of its residents.
“This issue is no longer just a local problem; it is a national responsibility,” she said.
Yoo Jeong-bok said, “If you truly care about Incheon, you must defend its rights and protect the interests of its citizens.” He added, “SL Corporation should be relocated to Incheon, and the Korea Environment Corporation should remain in the city.”
