The 6th Search and Seizure During Gwangju City's 7th Elected Term... Internal Public Officials 'Uneasy'

Investigation into Misconduct by Mayor Lee Yong-seop's Closest Aide... Concerns Over How Far the Fallout Will Spread

Lowest Integrity Ranking Image 'Plummets'... City Says "Will Cooperate Fully with Investigation"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Since the 7th term of the elected government began, Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall has faced its sixth search and seizure, causing unrest within.

Gwangju City, ranked at the bottom in integrity, is expected to suffer significant damage to its image as allegations of misconduct involving the mayor's closest aides, who are leading the city administration, have surfaced.

According to the Gwangju Western Police Station and Gwangju City on the 7th, the police executed search warrants in the Secretary's Office and the Life Agriculture Division in the morning regarding allegations of bribery involving Mayor Lee Yong-seop's close aides.

This was to investigate suspicions that Mr. A, the mayor’s former driver, and Mr. B, a current executive secretary, improperly intervened and accepted bribes related to the 2018 Gwangju World Kimchi Festival. Two others, including a company representative suspected of providing bribes, are also under investigation.

They are accused of exchanging luxury cars and money in return for facilitating the selection process of the Kimchi Festival’s agency.

Mayor Lee issued a statement saying, “I first learned of these facts through media reports and sincerely apologize to the citizens,” and added, “We will actively cooperate with the investigation.”

Since taking office, Gwangju City has faced a total of six search and seizure operations from 2019 to the present.

These include three related to the private park special project, illegal party recruitment by the deputy mayor, and real estate speculation allegations involving all employees of autonomous districts.

Given the situation, there are self-deprecating voices within the organization.

One employee said, “This search and seizure is due to misconduct by the mayor’s closest aides, so the impact is expected to be significant,” and added, “The entire city administration is inevitably going to be greatly constrained. There is concern about how far this fallout will spread.”