BUSAN — The controversial project to build the Gadeokdo New Airport entered its execution phase on November 10 as a consortium led by Daewoo Engineering & Construction officially initiated detailed designs. However, the move has ignited fierce opposition from environmental and civic groups, who are demanding a complete halt to the initiative.

Earlier in the day, the "Gadeokdo New Airport Opposition Citizens' Action," a coalition representing over 85 civic and environmental groups nationwide, held a press conference in front of Busan City Hall. The coalition strongly condemned what it called a "hasty and rushed commencement" of the project and called for the construction plans to be scrapped entirely.

According to the environmental groups, the government has rushed to appease construction capital amid soaring cost demands, creating confusion in the field and among the public. Critics pointed out that the government and political circles are pursuing legislative revisions to the "Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Special Act," which could inject an additional 620.0 billion to 850.0 billion won (approx. $430M–$590M USD) in public funds to accommodate the consortium's demands.

"Granting hundreds of billions of won in pre-guaranteed cost increases by rewriting laws before contracts are even finalized is an unprecedented move in South Korean history," the coalition stated. They criticized the legislative effort as an unconstitutional attempt that undermines the basic principles of the National Contract Act and grants illegal privileges to a specific large corporate consortium.

The groups also argued that any massive budget expansion should be subject to rigorous project plan appropriateness reviews and feasibility studies by the Korea Development Institute (KDI). Furthermore, they accused the government of rushing the environmental impact assessment within just two months, warning that the project threatens vital natural conservation areas and international migratory bird routes without adequate environmental oversight.

To protest these developments, the coalition announced plans to hold a major rally, titled "Busan Concentrated Action for Scrapping Gadeokdo New Airport," on November 14 near Sangsang Madang in Seomyeon, Busan, starting at 2 p.m., with open-mic events beginning at noon.

Meanwhile, the Daewoo-led consortium defended the progress. A company representative noted that launching the detailed design marks a positive signal that the airport construction project has entered a concrete execution phase, overcoming internal and external uncertainties.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) has requested the detailed design and plans to cooperate with the National Assembly to pass the revised Gadeokdo New Airport Act, ensuring that rising inflation costs are properly reflected to keep the fast-tracked project on schedule.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]