Jeju Island conflict over foreigner-only casino deepens

Due to the intensifying conflict over a foreigner-only casino -initially planned to be moved to Jeju Shinhwa World from Hyatt Regency Jeju-, Jeju Island is torn because of the proposal. As Jeju Shinhwa World's operator, Landing Jeju Development, attempted to open the largest foreigner-only casino on the island this month, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Council delayed the approval of the casino's relocation.

While the wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Landing International Development has ceased its employment, politicians of the region have supported the council's decision, worsening the dispute among residents.

According to Landing, it had directly hired 1,900 employees for the 2.51 million-square-meter resort complex that will include accommodations, theme parks and facilities for conventions, shopping, dining, spas, entertainment and the foreigner-only casino.

Jeju residents accounted for more than 70 percent of the employees. More than 6,500 people, including regular workers and subcontractors, were initially planned to work for the giant resort complex, which will fully open next year, according to Landing. 

The company has also carried out marketing campaigns for tourists from China, Japan and Southeast Asia in advance.

Given that the opening of casino this month has become uncertain, however, Landing has started emergency management since last month, halting overall employment, events for employees and training of interns. It has also urged its remaining workers to take leave to reduce costs.

A civic group consisting of Jeju residents, which has protested the relocation of the casino, criticized Landing's measure, saying, "Landing is threatening the residents with jobs, as the relocation of the casino unexpectedly fails."

During a press conference last month, Park Hee-sou, the former speaker of the Jeju Provincial Council, also defined Landing's ceased employment as a provocation against the council and abuse of power of capital.

Other politicians in the region have been on the side of the council as well.

Members of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Jeju Island have strongly opposed the opening of the foreigner-only casino at the resort complex. Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong and Ko Chung-hong, the speaker of the council, have been cautious about the matter, saying the council should reach an agreement first.

In particular, the governor has stressed there will be no approval for the opening of additional casinos on the island for a while, but he also said Landing's foreigner-only casino is not a new one.

Although the council will discuss the matter next month, it is still uncertain whether its members will allow Landing to do what it wants. The company is persuading Jeju residents, emphasizing the economic value the casino will create.