Incheon lawmaker urges review of public institution consolidation

National Assembly member Bae Jun-young has called for a full re-examination of the plan to consolidate public institutions in Incheon. During a confirmation hearing for Lee Hyung-il, candidate for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Bae expressed concerns that such mergers could lead to the loss of tax revenue and jobs for the region.

Bae pointed out that of the eight targeted institutions for consolidation, only Incheon Airport Service is confirmed to remain in Incheon. Other entities mentioned include the Aviation Safety Technology Institute, Incheon Airport Security Corporation, the Construction Technology Education Foundation, the National Incheon Maritime Museum, Incheon Port Security Corporation, and the Incheon Port Authority.

He warned that if headquarters are relocated to different regions, existing local offices could be reduced to mere branch offices, undermining regional decentralization and economic vitality. Additionally, Bae noted opposition to the merger of port authorities from Incheon, Busan, Ulsan, and Yeosu-Gwangyang, urging the government to clarify its reasoning and reflect the voices of local communities and relevant ministries.