Lee Jae-myung "Fish Shop Clerk is a Cat... Public Outrage Erupts" Criticizes LH Speculation

Serious Impact of LH Scandal... "Confusion and Betrayal"
"'Public Officials Conflict of Interest Prevention Act' Absolutely Necessary"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, criticized on the 11th, "The aftermath of the real estate speculation allegations involving LH executives and employees is not trivial. The LH issue is not simply a matter of 'cheating.' It is like the shock and betrayal felt when a clerk guarding a fish shop turns out to be a cat, which has caused the public's anger to explode."

In a post on his Facebook on the same day, Governor Lee emphasized, "What is needed now is to turn the crisis into an opportunity. We must not let the LH incident pass quietly but use it as a chance to establish discipline in the public service and restore trust in policy authorities."

He continued, "First, we must set the discipline of the public service straight. You cannot cook rice with rusty water, and to clean a house well, the broom and mop must be clean first. For South Korea to become fair, those who decide and execute must be fair first."

He then questioned, "If public officials make huge profits from rising house prices or even speculate illegally using insider information, how can any citizen trust government policies?"

He also criticized, "Even now, some public officials argue that they have 'investment freedom,' but if they want to increase their wealth, they should not be public officials but work in private companies or start businesses."

Regarding the LH employees suspected of speculating using insider information, he said, "There is no reason for public officials to be poorer, but gaining more opportunities for wealth accumulation through public office is a crime that abuses the power entrusted by the people," adding, "The reason public officials have been given higher social status and honor is based on the premise that they do not covet wealth and serve the people."

He added, "In the 21st National Assembly, four bills, including the government proposal, have been submitted to prevent conflicts of interest among public officials. These laws are essential for reforming the public service," and said, "Especially in cases like the recent LH incident, public officials who use confidential information obtained through their duties to gain property or financial benefits will be punished with imprisonment of up to seven years, ensuring that reform will not remain mere words."