The province and the Jeju Free International City Development Center met this week to seek a solution for the future of the (예래) Yerae Complex.

But it looks like bumpy roads are ahead for the complex.

Mike Laidman reports.

[slug] Jeju Provincial Office

Officials representing Jeju Province file into the office of the vice-governor alongside employees of the Jeju Free International City Development Center.

[slug] Meeting held between province and JDC

This was their first meeting time since the Supreme Court ruled that all administrative measures regarding the (예래) Yerae Resort Residential Complex were invalid last month.

During the trial, eight landowners at the site claimed the appointment of developers for the city planning project and the implementation of the plan were invalid. The court agreed, and ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

[slug] Future plans for Yerae discussed at closed meeting

Relevant departments at the provincial office and the task force the JDC started discussed future plans for the (예래) Yerae complex.

The meetings are being chaired by vice-governor (전성태) Jeon Seong-tae.

Representative, Province
We shared our views on how to manage the situation in Yerae following the ruling.
< 제주도 관계자 >
판결 이후에 어떤 방향으로 갈 것인지 얘기해보자고 해서 어떻게 해나갈 것인지 상호 간에 의견을 나눴습니다.

[slug] Construction halted for 3 years

The construction of the Yerae complex was 13 percent complete 3 years ago, but it has been on hold until now.

And now with the recent ruling by the Supreme Court, the project is essentially lost.

[slug] Land price surge makes it harder to negotiate with landowners

In order to resume construction, the JDC, as the developer, must begin negotiating land purchases with the owners.

But the situation is challenging. Prices have surged compared with years before when the center simply expropriated land in the village.

[slug] To abandon construction, JDC must pay removal costs

Meanwhile, if the JDC gives up construction and returns the expropriated land to its previous owners, it still must pay for the removal and disposal of already-built structures.

[slug] Land owners and residents request official apology

Land owners and area residents are requesting a sincere apology for the way things have progressed over the past number of years.

Representative, JDC
We will decide how to manage the halted construction to correspond with the policy direction of the new chairman.
< JDC 관계자 >
신임 이사장의 정책 방향에 따라서 기본 방향을 설정한다(가 기본 입장입니다.) 새로운 이사장이 오면 프로세스를 재정립해야 됩니다.

[Reporter] Mike Laidman
[Camera] Hyeon Gwang-hoon

There is still a bumpy road ahead for the Yerae complex. It seems as though an agreement between the province, area residents, land owners, and the developer will not be reached anytime soon.

Mike Laidman, KCTV