Woo Sang-ho dismisses doubts over AI data center benefits: 'Filling vacant land is already a gain'

Gangwon Province Governor Woo Sang-ho said Wednesday that filling previously vacant industrial land with an AI data center in Donghae "is already a benefit in itself."

Woo made the remarks at his second press briefing since taking office, adding that "rapidly turning this benefit into reality is paramount, which is why we are actively supporting the permitting process."

He said the province is focused on securing permits for the data center as the first step toward boosting the local economy. "Once 300 to 2,000 people are permanently based there, economic benefits for the region will naturally follow, and as related industries move in one after another, further industrial and economic results will emerge," he said.

On concerns about challenges the United States has faced in building AI data centers, Woo said the core issue there is power supply and grid structure, and that in South Korea the problem does not burden the public because Korea Electric Power Corp. controls the grid. He also said the risk of the facility affecting nearby tourist areas is low because it will occupy an independent, self-contained space.

"The AI data center in Donghae, one of the key campaign pledges of the ninth directly elected administration, is moving forward at speed and will break ground in November," Woo said. "It will be the first step in Gangwon Province's leap to become a core hub for South Korea's AI data center industry."

Woo also said the terms of heads of invested and affiliated agencies should align with those of the elected governor, as they need to share the same vision and philosophy.

Speaking at the provincial government briefing room Wednesday morning, about a month after taking office, Woo added: "I cannot force this on those who were appointed for political reasons under the previous administration, but I would hope they give serious thought to their positions."

"Most of the heads of invested and affiliated agencies were appointed under the previous administration. Some have genuine expertise, but others obtained their positions for political reasons," Woo said. "It is not easy for me to work in step with those who were appointed on political grounds."

Woo said his administration is already delivering results on key priorities among its 67 campaign pledges, pointing to the AI data center project and efforts to ease military restrictions in border areas.

"Deregulation of military restrictions in border areas and across Gangwon Province is also on track," he said. "The Ministry of National Defense is currently mapping specific coordinates related to pushing the civilian control line 2 kilometers northward."

He also cited the introduction of a basic income program for rural residents in Hwacheon and the designation of Sokcho's Daepo Port as a preliminary candidate for a national hub fishing port as concrete achievements reached within a month of taking office.