‘Drunken Assault’ Lee Gwang-il, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member, Suspended from Party Duties for 6 Months

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The Ethics Tribunal of the Democratic Party Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee on the 28th imposed a disciplinary action of a 6-month suspension of party duties on Lee Gwang-il, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Council (Yeosu 1), who caused controversy due to an alcohol-related assault incident during the Itaewon tragedy period.

The Jeonnam Provincial Party Ethics Tribunal made this decision at 3 p.m. at the party office meeting room after reviewing the disciplinary petition, hearing the party member's explanation, and verifying the facts.

On the 1st, during the national mourning period for the Itaewon tragedy, Lee attended a dinner at a restaurant in Mokpo City after completing an administrative audit with members of the Provincial Council's Economic Tourism and Culture Committee.

At that time, when an internet reporter who witnessed soju and beer bottles on the dining table entered the restaurant and began taking photos with a mobile phone, Lee engaged in a physical altercation.

The Jeonnam Provincial Party judged that although Lee reached an amicable agreement with the internet reporter, he violated the maintenance of dignity and thus took disciplinary action.

Regarding Cha Young-su, a Jeonnam Provincial Council member (Gangjin), who caused controversy by having council staff attend his child's wedding reception, the disciplinary petition was dismissed as it was deemed insufficient grounds for discipline. Also, Lim Hyun-soo, a Muan County council member who went on an overseas training trip during the national mourning period for the Itaewon tragedy, was dismissed as it was judged to align with the purpose of industrial inspection.

On the same day, the Jeonnam Provincial Party expelled one party member from the Mokpo area for spreading false information and secondary harm.