Apology Issued via SNS Amid Growing Controversy
"Sorry for Showing an Immature Side"
Ha Eun-ho, the mayor of Gunpo (People Power Party), who sparked controversy by making abusive remarks including profanity at the city council, apologized to the council members and citizens.
According to Gunpo City Council on the 22nd, Mayor Ha requested a chance to speak during the 268th regular meeting held on the 20th, saying "I have something to say," when the council was about to hold a debate on the 'Resolution to Urge the Development of the Integrated Station at Geumjeong Station.'
In response, Lee Gil-ho, the chairman of the city council, declared a recess to decide whether to grant the opportunity to respond.
Gunpo Mayor Ha Eun-ho (People Power Party), who caused controversy by making abusive remarks including profanity at the city council, apologized to the city council members and citizens. [Photo by Mayor Ha Eun-ho's Facebook]
Mayor Ha stood up from his seat and said, "Those who know nothing are f***ing annoying," then left the meeting room. Democratic Party council members strongly opposed, saying, "It is unacceptable for the mayor to make such abusive remarks in the council."
As the controversy grew, Mayor Ha apologized the next day, on the 21st, through his Facebook page.
Mayor Ha Eun-ho explained, "I was upset upon hearing that a resolution demanding an apology was being proposed despite the ongoing development of the integrated station at Geumjeong Station, which caused me to use harsh language." He added, "I will be careful not to show such immature behavior again."
As the controversy grew, Mayor Ha apologized on his Facebook page the next day, on the 21st. [Photo by Mayor Ha Eun-ho]
Meanwhile, on the 20th, the Gunpo City Council adopted a resolution calling for the development of Geumjeong Station, which is currently divided into the southern and northern stations, into an integrated station. The resolution opposed the separate development of the southern and northern parts of Geumjeong Station and urged the city, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Rail Network Authority, and Korea Railroad Corporation to develop an integrated station, while also demanding an apology from the mayor.
The resolution, proposed by six Democratic Party council members, was passed unanimously while three People Power Party members walked out.
Immediately after the resolution was adopted, Mayor Ha held a press conference and opposed it, saying, "I have long worked to promote the integrated station at Geumjeong Station, so issuing a one-sided resolution is the tyranny of the majority party and a political ploy to tarnish the mayor."
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