Some Uiryeong County Council Members Draw Criticism for Installing Ventilators and Smoking Indoors

Some members of the Uiryeong County Council in Gyeongnam have drawn criticism for openly smoking cigarettes inside the council building.

According to multiple council officials on the 16th, Chairman Kim Gyu-chan, Vice Chairman Yoon Byung-yeol, and Chairman of the Industry and Construction Committee Kim Chang-ho have frequently been smoking cigarettes in a space set up as a storage room for supplies at a corner of the internal passageway of the council building, even inviting public officials to join them, which has sparked condemnation.

A smoking room decorated by some members of the Uiryeong County Council in Gyeongnam.
[Photo by Reader]

Investigations revealed that the area, which should be used as a storage room, was furnished with tables, seats, and even a ventilation fan, effectively turning it into a smoking room, causing shock.

In particular, the entire public institution building is a non-smoking zone, and a fine of 100,000 KRW is imposed for smoking.

While the government is promoting strict anti-smoking policies, and debates continue between smoking rights and non-smoking rights, the behavior of local representatives smoking inside the building goes against public sentiment.

Because of this, strong criticism is also directed at the county administration responsible for residents' health management and protecting the building. There are accusations that they have neglected their duties out of concern for the council's reaction.

Moreover, although a smoking booth is provided inside the county office building, no council members have been seen using it.

Some fellow council members and public officials have expressed doubts about the qualifications of those involved.

An anonymous public official lamented, “We have made several requests and demanded corrections, but the situation has not changed, and there is no effective way to stop them from smoking indoors.”

Another public official sharply criticized, “Many public officials are aghast at the ‘power abuse smoking’ by the chairpersons who are supposed to oversee and lead the county council.”

In response, the council members involved stated, “It was wrong as council members, and we apologize to the residents for causing controversy.” They also said, “We will practice non-smoking inside the building from now on.”

Regarding this, the county health center said, “We will conduct awareness campaigns and investigate the situation to take appropriate measures.”