The South Korean government is embarking on a significant reform initiative aimed at consolidating public agencies, a move that includes the merger of the Incheon International Airport Corporation and the Korea Airport Corporation. This plan comes in response to a directive from President Lee Jae-myung, who has called for comprehensive reforms within public institutions since last August. As these proposals were made public, immediate backlash was sparked, particularly from unions representing employees at Incheon International Airport, which contend that the merger would not lead to efficiency as claimed but would instead shift the financial burdens of poorly managed regional airports onto the shoulders of those working at Incheon, ultimately disadvantaging the public.

Reports indicate that the Ministry of Finance and Economy has been compiling expert opinions regarding public agency consolidation, which will soon be reviewed in discussions with relevant governmental departments. Following these consultations, a draft plan will be prepared for the presidential office. Among the suggestions is the integration of the Incheon and Korea Airport corporations, incorporating also a project for the construction and operation of the new Gadeokdo Airport. The government intends for this new structure to streamline airport operations and potentially relieve financial pressure from the ambitious Gadeokdo airport project, which has construction costs projected to exceed 10 trillion won.

Despite the potential efficiencies touted by government officials, unions have mobilized in protest under the name of the Joint Committee to Prevent Rapid Integration of Incheon Airport, decrying the merger as reckless and fiscally irresponsible. Their statements criticize the plan not only for failing to address underlying issues in local airport management but also for projecting an imminent risk that taxpayers will eventually bear the burden of any inefficiencies resulting from this sweeping policy change. The reform discussions also encompass other major public corporations, with various sector officials reviewing a proposal to merge significant financial institutions—indicating broader reformist intentions within the public sector, even as definitive action remains pending.