Park Chan-dae Raises 'Dual Neglect Theory' for Incheon

Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party's candidate for Incheon mayor, has formalized and raised as a local issue the 'Incheon Dual Neglect Theory,' arguing that Incheon is being 'doubly neglected' amidst metropolitan area regulations and the central government's balanced regional development policies ahead of the June 3 local elections.

Candidate Park Chan-dae stated at a supreme council meeting held in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, on the 24th, "Incheon's growth rate has plummeted to -0.5%," adding, "We are facing the limits of dual neglect, where opportunities are missed because we are bound by the metropolitan area framework, or we are pushed down the policy priority list despite being a major city."

Candidate Park Chan-dae mentioned the 'Dual Neglect Theory' three times in his declaration of candidacy for Incheon mayor on the 22nd, pointing out, "Because we are in the metropolitan area, we face regulations on building factories, development is restricted, and transportation, hospitals, and investment are all concentrated in Seoul." This perception stems from the view that Incheon is struggling to implement future development plans because it is perceived merely as 'one of the metropolitan area local governments.'

Despite operating the Yeongheung Thermal Power Plant, which produces 20% of the metropolitan area's electricity consumption, and serving as the final disposal site for metropolitan area waste, Incheon finds itself in a position where it could be referred to as a 'non-metropolitan area within the metropolitan area.'