[Hampyeong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] It has been reported that Lee Sang-ik, former Hampyeong County Governor in Jeollanam-do, was reported to the police on suspicion of receiving suits worth about 10 million won as bribes from a construction contractor.
Governor Lee Sang-ik stated in a press release distributed on the same day, “After taking office as governor, I did have suits tailored at a certain tailor shop in Gwangju, but my eldest son paid the full amount,” and added, “I have all the payment details and supporting documents,” firmly denying that it was “not true at all.”
It is known that Lee’s son paid 10 million won to the tailor shop on January 18 but left the payment behind after being refused, as the shop claimed they had received the money in advance.
He said, “I have had five custom suits made so far, but I could not make immediate payments because I requested the tailor shop to provide the account number and amount, but the tailor shop kept delaying,” and insisted, “The delay in payment for several months was a personal oversight, but the claim that I received gifts from outside is completely untrue.”
Governor Lee said, “I will take strong legal action against the accuser for spreading false information and defamation,” and added, “Regardless of the reason, I feel very sorry to the residents for being suspected of such allegations as a governor.”
He concluded, “I have donated my entire governor’s salary to the talent development fund and have not wavered despite numerous temptations, so it is absurd to say I received the price of a few suits as bribes,” and added, “This is slander against the governor ahead of next year’s local elections.”
Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency is reportedly investigating the case against Governor Lee Sang-ik, and the report was filed with the Hampyeong Police Station on the 7th, with some investigations underway.
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