On the 23rd, at the first plenary session of the 418th extraordinary session of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Council, Representative Oh Eun-mi (from Sunchang) strongly urged the government to halt the importation of genetically modified (LMO) potatoes by proposing a resolution titled 'Resolution Urging Suspension of Genetically Modified (LMO) Potato Imports.'

According to Representative Oh, the Rural Development Administration has deemed the genetically modified potato (SPS-Y9) developed by Simplot in the United States as 'suitable' in the environmental safety assessment for crop cultivation and notified the Food and Drug Safety Ministry of this in February. It is explained that only the assessment of human safety remains, which has put domestic imports on the fast track.

Representative Oh pointed out, "If genetically modified potatoes are finally approved, they could end up on the Korean dinner table in processed forms like potato chips, posing a serious threat to food safety." She also expressed concerns, saying, "The livelihoods of domestic potato farmers could diminish, and along with a decrease in self-sufficiency, food sovereignty could also be threatened."

In reality, as of 2022, the self-sufficiency rate for grains in Korea is only 22.3%, while potatoes and other tubers maintain a relatively high self-sufficiency rate of 93.4%. Representative Oh warned, "The import of genetically modified potatoes from the U.S. could lead to a collapse in the 20% self-sufficiency rate."

Through the resolution, Representative Oh urged the government to "immediately halt the approval process for the importation of GMO potatoes and promptly implement a complete GMO labeling system to ensure the rights of the people." She emphasized the need for the government to provide a responsible response, stating, "At a time when fresh potato harvest is in full swing, farmers are facing a threat to their survival due to the possibility of importing American potatoes."