Seoul Administrative Court has ruled that the basic plan for the development of the SaeManGeum International Airport project should be canceled.

In a lawsuit held on the 11th, the Administrative 7th Division of the Seoul Administrative Court, led by Chief Judge Lee Ju-young, issued a judgment in favor of the plaintiff, stating, "The plan in question is illegal as it has deviated from discretion."

The court pointed out that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport did not adequately consider the risks of bird collisions and ecological destruction in the project process, and failed to provide specific alternatives. It further stated, "It should have thoroughly examined the impact on protected bird species habitats, and it is difficult to consider the public interest of regional balanced development as superior to the infringement of public interest due to environmental damage."

In particular, the court determined that there were several deficiencies, such as ▲ unjustified reduction assessment of bird collision risks ▲ failure to reflect the site selection process of risk factors ▲ inadequate assessment of the impact of bird ecological destruction ▲ insufficient measures to mitigate environmental damage by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Immediately after the ruling, the 'SaeManGeum Airport Blank Paperization Joint Action' held a press conference in front of the court, urging the government of Governor Lee Jae-myung to immediately blank out the airport policy.

On the other hand, North Jeolla Province expressed deep regret through a statement, saying, "We express deep regret along with 1.8 million residents," and stated, "We will immediately enter the appeal process in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and will definitely prove the necessity and legitimacy of the SaeManGeum International Airport in the appellate court."