▲ CWNU Student Council urges swift passage of the Aerospace Administration Special Law (Source: CWNU Waggle)

After seven months since its proposal in April, the 'Special Law on the Establishment and Operation of the Aerospace Administration,' which could serve as the cornerstone for the development of South Korea's aerospace industry, has entered a crucial phase. Faced with ongoing delays, various actions are taking place in Gyeongsangnam- do, the planned site for the agency's headquarters. This includes relay solo protests by mayors and members of the National Assembly, along with statements from university student councils, all urging for the early enactment of the Aerospace Administration Special Law. CWNU’s Student Council has also issued a statement in front of the university headquarters, calling on the National Assembly to quickly pass the Aerospace Administration Special Law.

According to the legislative notice for the proposed bill, this special law is explained to have the purpose of establishing the Aerospace Administration, which will oversee policies related to technology development and industrial promotion in the field of aerospace, aiming to enhance competitiveness in the aerospace sector. However, the bill is still pending in the National Assembly, and the establishment of the Aerospace Administration in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam- do, remains a key agenda of the Yoon Suk- yeol administration. There also has been persistent disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the direct R&D functions of the Aerospace Administration, and a conclusion was not reached, even during the deliberations that concluded on October 23.

In response, various locations across Gyeongsangnam- do are actively urging the swift passage of the Special Law. Civic organizations are displaying banners throughout the province urging the early enactment of the Special Law, and Governor Park Wan- soo has embarked on a solo protest and press conference at the National Assembly to push for its early enactment. Governor Park emphasized, “The ruling and opposition parties must unite this month to ensure the passage of the Special Law within the regular session of the National Assembly.” In Sacheon, the planned site for the establishment of the Aerospace Administration, Mayor Park Dong- sik continues his solo protest, and relay solo protests by local members of the National Assembly are also ongoing.

In universities located in the Changwon, Jinju, and Gimhae areas, there is also a growing demand for the enactment of the Special Law. The joint student councils of Gaya, Gimhae, and Injae University released a statement in front of the Gimhae City Hall, emphasizing, “The National Assembly must take the lead in establishing the Aerospace Administration, which will be the cornerstone of future growth for Korea and create new job opportunities for youth and the region.” CWNU Student Council has also called for the swift passage of the Aerospace Administration Special Law. Kim Bum- soo, the president of CWNU Student Council, stated on November 1 at 11 a.m. in front of the university headquarters, “The Aerospace Administration is the control tower to materialize the government's 'Future Space Economy Roadmap' and the future of both South Korea and Gyeongsangnam- do. As there are no more disagreements regarding the Aerospace Administration Special Law, immediate enactment is now the only remaining step.” He also emphasized, “Science, technology, and aerospace are by no means subjects of political controversy. Therefore, the Aerospace Administration Special Law must be swiftly passed. We strongly demand that the National Assembly promptly approves the Aerospace Administration Special Law.”

In various locations across Gyeongsangnam- do, residents and students are raising their voices for the swift passage of the Aerospace Administration Special Law. A representative from Gyeongsangnam- do stated, “We will make every effort to persuade and urge the National Assembly to resume the swift discussion of the bill, collaborating with the government, research institutions, and related industries. We will do our best to secure the passage of the bill during the regular session of the National Assembly in November.” The attention is focused on the pivotal role of the Aerospace Administration, which is expected to be the future of South Korea's aerospace industry. The hope is for the swift passage of the Aerospace Administration Special Law, earnestly anticipating the emergence of a 'Korean version of NASA.’

By Kim Han-seul, cub-reporter  hozejunior@naver.com

<저작권자 © The Campus Journal, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>