Seoul Metropolitan Council: "Chairman Kim In-ho's Accusation is a Political Act Causing Administrative Confusion"

Seoul City Council Spokespersons Han Gi-yeong and Choi Seon Respond to "Chairman's Sincere Request for Organizational Stability for Seoul City Administration Development"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Han Ki-young, spokesperson for the Seoul Metropolitan Council, characterized the complaint filed on the morning of the 20th by the Emergency Situation Solidarity, Freedom Solidarity, and National Union against Chairman Kim In-ho for dereliction of duty and coercion as a political act aimed at hampering the council and throwing city administration into confusion.

Spokesperson Han expressed concern that, amid ongoing communication and cooperation between the newly inaugurated mayor and the Seoul Metropolitan Council, some civic groups have recently politicized an email sent by Chairman Kim to encourage Seoul city employees, thereby fostering instability in city governance.

Spokesperson Choi Sun said, “The claim that urging organizational stability for the development of Seoul city administration during various crisis situations amounts to ‘inducing welfare inertia’ is absurd,” adding, “The act of accusing and even filing complaints against the council chairman, who is dedicated to restoring people’s livelihoods, for dereliction of duty and coercion does not help the path toward innovation and stability in Seoul. It is like looking only at the finger pointing at the moon.”

He continued, “It is natural for the chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council to communicate with citizens and Seoul city employees through various platforms such as email or social media if it helps the development of city administration.”

When the email sent to Seoul city officials became controversial, Chairman Kim In-ho stated on Facebook on the 9th, “There had been suggestions from Seoul city officials and those around them that it would be good to offer encouragement and comfort to Seoul city employees who have worked hard in response to COVID-19. During the not-so-short nine-month period of mayoral vacancy, I observed the city officials’ efforts and appreciated their active cooperation in various legislative matters,” adding, “I regret that my true intentions seem to have been misunderstood.”