Politics · South Korea · 12 hrs ago
Gangwon governor urges end to political dispute over AI data center
Gangwon Governor Woo Sang-ho called for an end to political disputes over a proposed artificial intelligence data center in Gangneung, South Korea.
Woo said opposition criticism of the project was politically motivated and could make companies wary of investing in the province.
He argued that the project’s progress should be assessed through an ongoing investigation, rather than political attacks.
The proposed Gangneung center has not been confirmed, and Woo said a groundbreaking event earlier this year was followed by little progress.
He also said companies had shown interest in possible data centers in Wonju and Chuncheon, but permits and cooperation with overseas firms remain unresolved.
The opposition has asked police to investigate Woo, alleging that he changed his position after saying during his election campaign that the center was secured.
Woo also plans to seek extra national funding for Gangwon and said he would appoint two provincial agency nominees on Monday.
Gangwon Gov. Woo Sang-ho called for political disputes over a planned AI data center in Gangneung to stop, saying they could discourage business investment.
Woo said the People Power Party’s criticism was political pressure aimed at next year’s Gangneung by-election.
The party has called for a swift police investigation into an allegation that Woo falsely claimed the project was confirmed.
Woo said the Gangneung project had not advanced since its groundbreaking ceremony in March.
He said plans to attract data centers in Wonju and Chuncheon were progressing, but were not yet confirmed.
- Who
- Gangwon Gov. Woo Sang-ho and the People Power Party.
- What
- Woo urged an end to political disputes over attracting an AI data center to Gangneung. The party called for a swift police investigation into an allegation that Woo made a false statement about the project.
- When
- November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Gangneung, Gangwon province, South Korea.
- Why
- Woo said political attacks could harm efforts to attract business investment. The party said Woo had claimed the project was confirmed before later saying it was not.
Gangwon Gov. Woo Sang-ho
People Power Party
Political dispute
Gangwon Gov. Woo Sang-ho
Woo says the party’s criticism is a political attack aimed at next year’s Gangneung by-election.
People Power Party
The party says Woo may have falsely claimed the AI data center project was confirmed.
Investment impact
Gangwon Gov. Woo Sang-ho
Woo says political disputes and investigations could discourage companies from investing in Gangwon.
People Power Party
The party called for a swift police investigation into the allegation.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Gangneung AI data center was held with former governor Kim Jin-tae and Gangneung Mayor Kim Hong-gyu attending.
Woo withdrew a complaint against former governor Kim, saying it was for unity and reconciliation.
The People Power Party’s internal audit committee and others filed a police complaint against Woo over an alleged false statement.
Woo urged an end to the political dispute, while the People Power Party called for a swift police investigation.
- Project
- AI data center planned for Gangneung
- Governor
- Woo Sang-ho
- Political party
- People Power Party
- Groundbreaking
- March 2026
- Other locations
- Wonju and Chuncheon
- Status of Wonju and Chuncheon plans
- Woo said they were progressing but were not confirmed
3 sources
What people are saying
The People Power Party's raising of issues related to the AI data center is a political attack aimed at next year's Gangneung by-election.
Is it right to restrict and hinder activities related to corporate investment?
Wouldn't it be better to compete over how to make Gangneung more prosperous?
The police should swiftly investigate the allegation of making a false statement.