Original Korean article: Newsis
Gyeongsangnam-do's Goseong County announced on September 1 that it will take strong measures in response to SK Ocean Plant's sale, including consideration of revoking the county's designation as an opportunity development special zone, citing the company's unilateral decision made without a plan for mutual prosperity with the region.
On August 31, Goseong County stated regarding the finalization of SK Ocean Plant's sale negotiations: "We cannot accept the decision to proceed with the sale in a situation where no substantive measures for mutual prosperity with Goseong County and the local community have been established."
The county said: "The opportunity development special zone was designated for the company and region to grow together. If the initially promised investment and employment are not fulfilled and the region's interests are disregarded, we will consider revoking Gyeongsangnam-do's first opportunity development special zone designation."
County's demands and prior position
County Governor Ha Hak-yeol objected, stating: "Despite Goseong County and the local community's continued concerns and requests, SK Ocean Plant finalized the sale between the parties without sufficient consultation on measures for mutual prosperity with the county."
On July 27, Governor Ha held a press conference at the county office and announced an official position on SK Ocean Plant's sale plan. He clearly stated opposition to the sale and demanded specific measures from SK Group: reconsideration of the sale, implementation of a 1 trillion won investment plan, creation and maintenance of 3,600 jobs, mutual prosperity with local partner companies, and priority hiring of local talent.
SK Ocean Plant is more than a private company; it is the core enterprise of Gyeongsangnam-do's first opportunity development special zone, a future growth engine for Goseong County, and a key pillar of the local economy directly linked to residents' livelihoods and the survival of local partner companies.
Goseong County has provided extensive administrative and institutional support for SK Ocean Plant's stable investment and growth, including designation as an opportunity development special zone, expansion of industrial complex infrastructure, opening of access roads, and installation of a 154 kilovolt transmission line.
Investment and employment commitments
Goseong County and local residents are objecting: "SK Ocean Plant promised a 1 trillion won investment plan and 3,600 jobs in the Yangchon and Yongjeong industrial complexes, but we cannot accept the company proceeding with the sale without fulfilling these commitments."
Governor Ha stated: "SK Ocean Plant is not simply a company but a future growth engine for Goseong, a source of jobs for residents, and a core industrial foundation supporting the local economy. This sale is not merely a corporate management matter but a critical issue with major implications for the regional economy, employment, and the entire local community."
SK ecoplant announced on August 31 that it had concluded a stock purchase agreement to sell all of its 35.62 percent stake in SK Ocean Plant to the D-Ocean Consortium. The sale is valued at approximately 410 billion won.
SK Ocean Plant operates businesses in offshore wind turbine substructures, shipbuilding, and marine sectors. SK ecoplant acquired Samgang M&T, the predecessor of SK Ocean Plant, in 2021 and incorporated it as a subsidiary.
