It's time to stop the power grid policy of 'giving more to a crying child'

The current approach to South Korea's power grid policy is unsustainable and needs a fundamental change, according to an opinion piece in the Chosun Ilbo. The author argues that the practice of appeasing specific regions or groups, metaphorically described as "giving more to a crying child," must end.

The article recalls a specific instance in July 2013 when then-Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Yoon Sang-jik, visited Miryang to mediate the protracted conflict over the construction of power transmission towers. This dispute had been ongoing since May 2005.

Two months after the minister's visit, in September 2013, a special support agreement was established. This agreement involved a 'Miryang Power Transmission Tower Conflict Resolution Special Support Council,' comprising representatives from Miryang, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The council agreed upon a package worth 55.5 billion won, which included a 30 billion won investment in solar power generation facilities for the region.