Genting’s Jeju plans may face wrinkle as governor hardens stance

The governor of South Korea’s Jeju island appears to be hardening his stance against large-scale projects, potentially delaying a $2 billion integrated resort planned by Genting Singapore and China’s Landing International Development.
Won Hee-ryong said in a recent radio interview that before allowing the project to continue, the province needs to create a supervisory body for casino operations in consultation with the central government. He said that process may require six months to a year.
“As we already have eight casinos in operation in Jeju island. I am not saying I am opposed to the gambling industry in principle. I am saying we have to come up with measures to properly manage the casinos, how to minimize side effects coming from the business, and how to establish procedures to reach a consensus among the island’s residents,” he was reported as saying by Korea Bizwire.
Won also claimed there was no specific reference to a casino made in Genting’s application for the development.
Genting had originally planned to break ground on the project in June.