On the morning of the 27th, Democratic Party of Korea members Kim Ju-young (Gimpo-si Gap) and Park Sang-hyuk (Gimpo-si Eul) held a press conference regarding the extension progress of Line 5 in Gimpo. They reported on the progress to alleviate citizens’ concerns and announced future plans. The conference followed Prime Minister Kim Min-seok’s inspection of the Gimpo Gold Line transportation situation on the same morning, aimed at providing a detailed update from the key figures involved in the project to both the press and citizens.
During the briefing, Representative Kim Ju-young stated that the meeting was organized to correct recent misunderstandings, mentioning past efforts like the 2021 protest to include Line 5 in the national railway plan. Despite the Democratic Party’s push for an exemption from preliminary feasibility studies, opposition from the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and the People Power Party led to a fast-track feasibility study instead. Kim shed light on these hurdles and expressed that proposals to address economic viability issues are being considered positively by the government. Kim highlighted the Prime Minister’s visit as a strong indication of the government’s commitment to solving the issue and assured continued efforts to deliver good news.
Representative Park Sang-hyuk emphasized that railway construction is not just about ideas but involves legal procedures and strategy. He has consistently convinced relevant departments of the necessity of Line 5, asserting, “Without Line 5, there will be no new city.” Park commended the administration of Lee Jae-myung for achieving tangible results in just eight months, a stark contrast to the previous administration’s inaction, and vowed to complete the Line 5 extension under the capable leadership of Lee.
In a Q&A session, the two representatives disclosed strategies for ensuring economic viability, pointing out the success of having the feasibility study conducted as a ‘non-capital region’ type to reflect Gimpo’s geographic challenges. This adjustment allowed for a structure that lowers the economic feasibility ratio and raises the policy aspect ratio, making it easier to pass the feasibility study.
Regarding the timing of the feasibility study results, they cautiously predicted it would be “soon” and promised to leverage all networks to expedite confirmation. Additionally, the representatives identified future objectives, such as establishing a comprehensive transportation plan in line with compact city development and integrating the GTX-D line into the 5th phase national railway network project.
The two representatives emphasized that their urgent efforts are documented and that the extension of Line 5 is a long-cherished ambition of Gimpo’s citizens, and they pledged to work alongside them until the project comes to fruition.