Seodaemun District Council Decides to Withdraw the Proposal
The proposal to restore the birthplace of President Lee Jaemyung and create a commemorative space, which was introduced at the Seodaemun District Council in Seoul and had passed the standing committee stage, was ultimately withdrawn amid controversy.
According to the Seodaemun District Council on November 13, Kim Deokhyeon, Chair of the Council Operations Committee who had introduced the proposal, stated, "I feel sorry for unintentionally causing controversy and hearing various concerns," adding, "I plan to withdraw the proposal so that it will not be submitted to the plenary session, as it may become a burden even for the presidential office."
Kim, who is originally from Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, introduced the proposal during the 310th 2nd regular session of the Seodaemun District Council, saying, "This could become a new tourism infrastructure for Andong. Although I am a district councilor in Seoul, I wanted to provide even a small amount of help."
The proposal called for the prompt restoration of the birthplace, the creation of a commemorative space to serve as a key driver for revitalizing the local economy and developing the tourism industry, and for continued support and respect. It also included a statement emphasizing that "this proposal is not an act of flattery toward a particular individual, but rather aims to address regional neglect and respond to the voluntary requests of residents."
The proposal passed the Council Operations Committee, the relevant standing committee, on November 11, but sparked various interpretations as the Seoul district council appeared to be taking the lead in proposing the restoration of a birthplace located in Andong. In particular, criticism arose that this move was an excessive show of loyalty ahead of next year's local elections. Joo Isak, a district councilor from the Reform New Party, criticized in a Facebook post, "It can only be seen as Democratic Party councilors engaging in excessive displays of loyalty ahead of the local elections."
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