U.S. actor Robert Redford spoke out against Korea’s plan to build a naval base on Jeju, urging international support against it.
The 75-year-old Golden Globe and Oscar-winner wrote an online contribution for the environmental magazine “OnEarth” titled “The Battle for Jeju Island: How the Arms Race is Threatening a Korean Paradise.”
In the article published Friday, the director and environmental activist argues that the Defense Ministry’s plan to construct a naval base in Gangjeong, a small village in Jeju’s Seogwipo, would destroy the fragile ecosystem of the surrounding area.
The military launched the base construction project saying the facility would boost military mobility in southern maritime operations and contribute to strengthening national security.
“It would destroy the marine ecosystem. Our imperfect knowledge already tells us that at least nine endangered species would be wiped out, and no one knows or perhaps can know the chain reaction,” Redford writes.
The actor also writes that the U.S. may be behind the ministry’s motive for construction, saying that it seems to be a ploy by the U.S. to surround China with its Aegis anti-ballistic system.
Redford recognizes the efforts of those protesting the construction of the base.
“Jeju isn’t just any island. It has just been selected as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Nature’ for its breathtaking beauty, unique traditions and sacred groves,” said Redford.
The actor urges “environmentalists, peace activists and supporters of democracy,” to join the cause of those residents by visiting the Save Jeju Island Campaign website.
Ever since the Defense Ministry designated the village in June 2007 as the site for a strategic naval base with the approval of 87 villagers in a local vote, hundreds of other residents have tried to nullify the decision, claiming the earlier vote was illegal.
Once completed sometime in 2015, the new base will be home to about 20 naval vessels and two 150,000-ton cruisers. According to the Defense Ministry, about 14 percent of the construction work has been completed.
