Muan County Council Non-Democratic Party Elected Members Protest "Democratic Party Monopoly of Chairmanship and Standing Committees"

Democratic Party Claims 'Legitimate Rights' vs Independent Lawmakers Accuse 'Secret Collusion'... Conflict Escalates

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Oh Hwan-joo] Even before the 9th Muan County Council begins its term next month, conflicts are intensifying over the election of the chairperson and the formation of standing committees.

Out of a total of 9 seats, the Democratic Party of Korea holds 7 seats, and 2 seats are held by independents. Democratic Party members criticize the independent councilors for not cooperating, while the independents are opposing, claiming that the Democratic Party monopolized the chairperson positions.

According to the Muan County Council on the 30th, ahead of the formation of the 9th Muan County Council on the 23rd, the majority Democratic Party councilors held prior coordination and endorsed the chairperson team.

Seven Democratic Party-affiliated Muan councilors met on the 22nd to organize the council and endorsed Kim Kyung-hyun, who was re-elected as chairperson, and Im Dong-hyun as vice-chairperson.

Additionally, Kim Bong-seong was endorsed as Chair of the Council Operation Planning Committee, Im Yoon-taek as Chair of the Administrative, Cultural, and Welfare Committee, Im Hyun-soo as Chair of the Industry and Construction Committee, and Jung Eun-kyung as the floor leader. In effect, Democratic Party councilors have monopolized the chairperson positions.

The 9th Muan County Council, which opens on the 1st of next month, is overwhelmingly composed of Democratic Party councilors, making it highly likely that the formation of the council in the first half will be decided according to the Democratic Party members' wishes.

Kim Won-jung, a three-term independent councilor who had expressed his intention to run for chairperson, stated, "This prior agreement by the Democratic Party is a secret deal to monopolize the chairperson positions," and argued, "Allowing the Democratic Party to decide the chairperson candidates goes against the ideology and values of local councils."

He added with concern, "I worry that party interests might distort the people's will," and declared a boycott even before the council opens, saying, "I hope Democratic Party councilors show genuine sincerity for the residents."

A Democratic Party councilor said, "This is not a secret deal by the majority party," and added, "Our Democratic Party councilors will do their best in their given mission and will soon meet with independent councilors to achieve cooperation for the residents."

Another Democratic Party councilor claimed, "Being the majority party is a natural right, and independent councilors are not cooperating," and stated, "Endorsements through prior coordination are not illegal."

Meanwhile, there is speculation that Kim Won-jung, the most senior councilor, who will serve as interim chairperson, might use the chairperson's authority to adjourn or recess the meeting, delaying the submission of agenda items.

Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Oh Hwan-joo