The Civilian Gathering for Regaining of the Territorial Rights in the Kunsan US Military Airbase began to struggle against US Forces in Korea (USFK). They demanded payment for a greater charge for lending runways for use by Korean civil aviation. The forces withdrew their claim, after many people and 15 civil groups participated in the movement.
The meeting was held to find a solution to noise pollution, a collection matter of army base rents, a revision of the SOFA agreement, an finding an end to USFK's crimes. Every Friday, the meeting takes part in Friday Rally, the 140th rally at present (August 25, 2000) was held successfully.
In 1999, the meeting, also, suggested establish a joint committee for completely revising the SOFA agreement. In a result, the People's Action for Reform Unjust ROK-US SOFA Agreement was established by about 100 civil groups. The group is playing an important part to revise  SOFA. Especially, the priest Mun Jeong-hyun is having dynamic activities for revision of SOFA.

I. Kunsan US air base- environment pollution

The camp was provided with a firing range close to the downtown area. In a result, noise pollution by the firing range like the matter of  Maehyang-ri at the base. Especially, a serious aspect of 24-hour practice flight of the US air forces is causing suffering of Seonyeon-ri people. Most people are suffering from bradyacusia which is hardness of hearing, others are experiencing mental problems. Also, domestic animals are being hurt.
In order to report, the noise index of the Seonyeon-ri was recorded as equivalent noise of 83.6bd; the maximum noise record was 107.0bd. Actually, the investigation result of Green Korea United and the gathering showed that people are not able to live normally in this place, even more, the noise is causing about mental problems and cardiac disorders.
US bases have also caused serious environmental damage. The base has discharge foul water and various wastes without any filtration. The secretary general said "Of course, it is just for money. The datum line of USFK about environment is different with their countries' line, because they thought not to need for the problem solution using more money and more attention. They don't care about our health and our right to live."   

II. Rending charges

The USFK base in Kunsan is situated in the huge area over 2.3 billion pyung. About 2000 military personnel and civilian employees live in the camp.  The camp has various leisure facilities such as a golf course. Kunsan airport was established at the side by extending the runways to the camp, the government authorities have paid for this service.
Kim said "The responsibility to collect the charges is ours, because, the base was established in our country. Far from collecting the charges, we pay charges to the guest. We, also, have to recall about the given area to the forces."

III. Crimes of the forces

The unjust punishment of crimes committed by US forces in Kunsan is serious without exception. Two years ago, it is alleged that Eric Halverson killed Park Sun-nyeo. He, however, escaped punishment due to insufficient concrete evidences. This is an example that shows unjust punishment to US army.
Kim said "As we know, most crimes of the forces brought out the amazing judgment. We think that this is an unreasonable protection of soldiers from justice. We have to demand that the US authorities a cease protecting the military from justice.

By Jeon Kyu-man(Editor of News Section)