Seoul City is currently weighing its options regarding an appeal after receiving unfavorable rulings in both the first and second trials concerning the establishment of a new incineration facility in the Mapo district of Sangam-dong. Following the court's decision, a spokesperson from the city stated they are carefully reviewing the court rulings and in discussions related to whether to appeal, which must be decided by the deadline of next month. The controversy began when the city proposed to build a new incineration facility with a capacity of 1,000 tons per day next to the existing Mapo incineration plant, which has a capacity of 750 tons, prompting local residents to file a lawsuit after claiming that the city proceeded with the plan without obtaining their agreement.

The first and second trials found that Seoul City did not adequately consider local residents' opinions during the site selection process, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the city's decision. The court acknowledged that while the city underwent formal procedures such as holding resident briefings and public hearings, it failed to genuinely incorporate or adjust the residents' feedback. As a result, the appellate court upheld the initial ruling, rejecting the city's claims for appealing based on the public utility justifications, such as preventing a waste crisis, stating that the city's procedural violations were significant.

With the courts emphasizing the importance of procedural justice, analysts speculate that there is little likelihood of the Supreme Court overturning the decisions. If Seoul decides to press ahead with an appeal, it risks solidifying the unfavorable ruling. Additionally, the Mapo residents' support committee is demanding that the city withdraw its appeal; tensions may escalate if the city proceeds, as the committee plans to restart inspections of waste bags delivered to the incineration plant, a process that could further delay operations and intensify community conflict over the incineration facility.