Yoon Seok-yeol Waited 20 Minutes to Receive Bouquet... "Kwon Young-jin, Mayor of Daegu, Must Apologize"

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is greeting Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin during his visit to the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office and District Prosecutors' Office on the afternoon of the 3rd for a meeting with staff.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Daegu City Council members affiliated with the Democratic Party criticized Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin for welcoming Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol with a wreath.

On the 4th, the Democratic Party city council members issued a statement saying, "We cannot blame the wreath attacks or support placards from some supporters. The freedom to like or dislike someone is guaranteed."

They continued, "However, if one is a public official, especially one required to maintain political neutrality, and represents the citizens of Daegu as the mayor, every action must be taken with caution. The mayor of Daegu, who hurt the pride of the citizens, should reflect and apologize."

They added, "Kwon Young-jin, 'one of the people,' who has forgotten the duties of the mayor, should take this opportunity to step down from the mayoral position and return to being a Seoul citizen."

Photo by Lee Jin-ryeon, captured from Daegu City Council member's Facebook.

Earlier, Mayor Kwon visited Prosecutor General Yoon, who had come to the Daegu Prosecutors' Office the day before, and presented him with a bouquet.

Mayor Kwon then posted a photo of himself welcoming Prosecutor General Yoon on his Facebook, writing, "I welcome Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's visit to Daegu. I hope the Prosecutor General's efforts to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law are not lonely. As one of the people, I support and cheer for him."

Mayor Kwon was also reported to have said, "When ministers come, it is customary for the mayor of Daegu to meet and welcome them."

In response, Democratic Party-affiliated Daegu City Council member Lee Jin-ryeon criticized Mayor Kwon, saying, "Should we be thankful for welcoming our government official? Waiting with a bouquet and even greeting him. I feel so embarrassed..."

She added, "Mayor, is it really necessary to praise him even on Facebook? As the representative face of Daegu and the head of Daegu's administration, is this the dignity you should have? I will take comfort in the fact that you did not run barefoot," ending her post with the hashtag '20minuteswaitingisnotasecret.'