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Photo = Hyundai Engineering & Construction |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, October 13 — Lee Han-woo, CEO of Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C), publicly acknowledged partial responsibility for delays in the Gadeokdo New Airport project and apologized to the South Korean public during a National Assembly audit on Sunday.
Appearing as a witness before the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Lee admitted that Hyundai E&C bore some accountability for the stalled progress of the state-led megaproject.
“We cannot say that we bear no responsibility for the situation,” Lee said in response to questioning by Rep. Kim Do-eup of the ruling People Power Party (PPP).
Safety Concerns Behind Withdrawal
Lee explained that the company withdrew from the project earlier this year primarily due to safety and quality concerns.
“When we submitted our basic design proposal in April, we estimated that the construction would require 108 months,” he said. “However, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport did not accept that schedule.”
He emphasized that the 108-month timeline was based on ensuring “the highest levels of safety and quality,” and added, “If there is any part for which we must take responsibility, we will.”
Lawmakers Criticize Hyundai for “Damaging Public Trust”
Rep. Kim Do-eup countered that Hyundai E&C knew the government’s official project schedule of 72–84 months when it bid but failed to follow through on its initial commitments.
“You were supposed to conduct 58 ground drilling surveys as part of the basic contract but didn’t complete a single one in six months,” Kim said. “Then you claimed the project required 108 months and walked away. Hyundai’s behavior has severely damaged public trust in national projects.”
In response, Lee said:
“We proposed a 108-month design but it was rejected, and we faced excessive criticism from local residents and civic groups. The 58 drilling sites in the eastern offshore area could not be accessed due to civil complaints.”
Formal Apology to the Public
Rep. Kim Hee-jung (PPP) also pressed Lee on how the company intended to compensate for the damage caused to the national project, asking whether he would apologize to the public.
“I feel deeply regretful,” Lee replied. “I sincerely apologize to the people.”
Background: Project in Limbo
The Gadeokdo New Airport project — a key infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding aviation capacity in the Busan region — has been mired in delays since Hyundai E&C withdrew from its role as preferred bidder in May.
The company had been selected last October after four failed bidding rounds but later refused to proceed under the government’s proposed 84-month construction schedule, insisting on 108 months instead. Since Hyundai’s withdrawal, the project has remained stalled with no confirmed replacement contractor.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
