Chungju Mayor opposes military aircraft relocation plan

Chungju Mayor Lee Dong-seok has formally demanded the complete withdrawal of a plan to relocate the 206th Fighter Flying Squadron from the Gwangju and Yecheon regions to the Jungwon Base in Chungju.

During a meeting with officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Air Force Headquarters, Mayor Lee expressed strong opposition, stating that the additional deployment would impose further burdens on citizens who have already endured decades of noise pollution for national security. He criticized the Ministry of National Defense for its approach and called for the Minister of National Defense to visit Chungju in November to personally explain the plan and address public concerns.

The proposed deployment is scheduled to be temporary, spanning from 2027 to 2032. However, city officials expressed skepticism regarding the plan, noting that without concrete guarantees for a future withdrawal schedule, public anxiety will remain high. Mayor Lee emphasized that citizens are seeking a life free from noise pollution and opportunities for regional development rather than mere financial compensation.