Gov`t to Study Self-sufficiency of Proposed Admin. City

The government is studying strengthening the self-sufficient functions of the special administrative district in South Chungcheong Province amid escalating disputes over the Multifunctional Administrative City.

A high-ranking official said yesterday, “If only government agencies are transferred to Sejong City, the government cannot achieve its initial plan to develop the city into one with a population of 500,000 by 2030. It also cannot guarantee that the city will become self-sufficient.”

“Accordingly, we’re considering measures to strengthen the city’s self-sufficient functions and asking companies to move their operations to Sejong City.”

The government reportedly plans to suggest measures to expand the city’s self-sufficiency by year’s end.

On a possible amendment to the Sejong City Bill in a radio interview yesterday, ruling Grand National Party lawmaker Cha Myung-jin said, “The answer is yes. (The presidential office of) Cheong Wa Dae will suggest an amendment to the bill after thorough consideration and the National Assembly will examine the bill from an objective perspective.”

“Fundamentally, Cheong Wa Dae supports the project, but has made many efforts to find measures to nurture the city into a self-sufficient one.”

Presidential spokesman Park Seon-gyu denied Cha’s comment that Cheong Wa Dae plans to suggest an amendment, but added the presidential office is keeping a closer eye on the public debate over Sejong City.

“Since the Sejong City project could be a historic event contributing to Korea’s further growth, interested parties need to settle their differences. Thorough discussion should come first.”

Cha later told The Dong-A Ilbo, “I just thought Cheong Wa Dae might try to find measures to improve its plan for Sejong City. But I have no accurate information on the issue. I also didn’t share any opinions with Cheong Wa Dae.”

A key official of the ruling party said, “Cha just said what he believed.”

The minor conservative Liberty Forward Party and the main opposition Democratic Party, however, said the administration might have put the final touches on the amendment, citing Prime Minister-designate Chung Un-chan’s comments.

Chung said Thursday, “It’s hard to start again from scratch but it’s also not easy to follow the original bill.”

yongari@donga.com