County Governor Sent Wedding Invitations with Bank Account Number to 1,300 People

Mass Sending of Wedding Invitations for Eldest Son's Wedding in Seoul
Residents' Complaints... County Governor Kim Seong Says "It Was Not Thoughtful"

Jeonnam Jangheung County Governor sparked controversy by sending out a large number of wedding invitations printed with his own bank account number ahead of his eldest son's wedding.

According to Jangheung County on the 15th, Governor Kim Seong recently sent card-style wedding invitations to about 300 people, including residents and acquaintances. Mobile invitations were also sent to over 1,000 people.

Kim Seong, the mayor of Jangheung County, sent out a large number of wedding invitations printed with his bank account number ahead of his eldest son's wedding.
[Photo by KBS News Screen Capture]

However, the paper invitations included his bank account number under the heading "Where to send your heartfelt gifts," and the mobile invitations listed the bank account numbers of the groom, bride, and both families' heads.

Moreover, the wedding is scheduled to take place on the morning of the 19th in Seoul. The distance from Jangheung County in Jeonnam to the wedding venue is at least a five-hour drive by car.

Attending the wedding would require leaving early in the morning or arriving the day before. Because of this, some criticized the invitations as an overt request for congratulatory money.

Residents expressed discomfort over receiving invitations from the county governor, who holds significant influence in the local community. Among residents, there were complaints such as "Isn't this practically a 'congratulatory money business'?"

According to the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, public officials are prohibited from informing work-related persons or work-related public officials about personal celebrations or condolences. They may only inform relatives, employees currently or formerly affiliated with their institution, members of their religious organizations, or social clubs on a limited basis.

Governor Kim apologized, saying, "I did not notify related institutions or post on Jangheung County's internal bulletin boards. Since I sent invitations to village heads, social organization leaders, and active members of churches and Rotary Clubs, the number became large. I was not considerate."