Mayor-Elect Son Baechan: "Northward Shift of the CCL Is a Turning Point for Paju's Future... Accelerating Peace Economy Special Zone Initiative"

Son Baechan, Mayor-Elect of Paju, Welcomes Easing of Military Regulations

Linking Tourism, Industry, and Resident Welfare

Unveils Vision for 'Paju, City of Peace and Economy'

"Special Compensation for Over 70 Years of Sacrifice for National Security"

Son Baechan, Mayor-Elect of Paju City, has welcomed the Ministry of National Defense's plans to gradually move the Civilian Control Line (CCL) northward and ease military protection zone regulations. He also expressed his determination to use these measures as a key driving force to lead Paju's transformation in peace and economic development.

Son Baechan, Mayor-elect of Paju City. Photo by Son Baechan

In an official statement, Son emphasized, "This measure serves as a special compensation for residents of border regions who have sacrificed for national security for over 70 years," adding, "Paju has reached a decisive turning point to become a hub of peace and economic growth."

He also expressed gratitude to the government, stating, "By easing various military regulations that have hindered the development of border areas and opening the path to revitalizing the local economy, the government has made a significant contribution." He called for the swift passage of related bills in the National Assembly.

The Paju mayoral transition committee, which has discussed measures such as moving the CCL northward and dismantling anti-tank barriers as major priorities, expects that the government's new policies will provide tangible benefits for the region's development.

Son particularly stressed that this easing of restrictions aligns with his core campaign pledges and will serve as a foundation for securing Paju's future growth engines.

In the economic and industrial sectors, Son plans to accelerate efforts to designate Paju as a Peace Economy Special Zone, attract global companies, and create high-quality jobs. He also intends to improve working conditions and enhance corporate competitiveness by establishing a joint welfare center for industrial complex workers.

In the tourism sector, he aims to actively promote projects such as creating the Ribi Bridge Peace Culture Landmark, expanding the Imjingak Peace Nuri tourism infrastructure, and developing the Heo Jun Herbal Village, with the goal of making Paju a world-class hub for peace tourism.

He also presented a blueprint for improving residents' quality of life. This includes moving the Unification Bridge checkpoint further north and pursuing additional relaxations of military restrictions, as well as expanding settlement support for displaced persons and indigenous residents to enhance the quality of life for people living in border areas.

Additionally, Son expects that simplifying drone flight regulations and expanding AI-based CCL entry systems will significantly reduce various inconveniences residents have faced in their daily lives.

Mayor-Elect Son Baechan stated, "As we move forward, we will establish public-private governance to ensure that residents' voices are fully reflected in policy," adding, "Starting from the operational reviews scheduled for the second half of the year, we will work closely with military units to build a prosperous Paju where peace is synonymous with economic development."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.