Uiryeong-gun Public Officials Union Urges Apology, Reveals Recording of 'Gapjil and Verbal Abuse'

Gongnojo: "If No Apology, Jeongongno Will Mobilize Full Force"
Military Council Members Maintain "Legitimate Legislative Activity" Stance

The Uiryeong County Branch of the National Government Employees' Union Gyeongnam Headquarters has launched a strong protest, including the release of a recording file regarding the so-called 'abuse of power and verbal abuse by county council members.'

Uiryeong County Public Officials Union Holds Protest Rally Condemning Chairman Kim Gyu-chan and Councilor Oh Min-ja's Abuse of Power and Verbal Abuse.
[Photo by Sooeun Joo]

On the 18th, the Government Employees' Union held a rally at the county office square condemning the recent 'abuse of power and verbal abuse' by Uiryeong County Council Chairman Kim Gyu-chan and Councilor Oh Min-ja, warning, "If Chairman Kim and Councilor Oh do not immediately apologize for their 'verbal abuse, informal speech, and verbal violence,' we will mobilize the entire National Government Employees' Union to ensure they apologize."

At this event, they released a recording file containing the 'verbal abuse, informal speech, and verbal violence' directed at government employees by Chairman Kim and Councilor Oh.

The released file included the council members' high-handed voices saying things like, "Stop it quickly. (I gave the order) I told you to stop it. Stop it quickly. Should I have to talk to you... What are you doing now? What are you saying... Don't say that. Look down..."

Apology and condemnation for anachronistic and high-handed power abuse and informal speech, along with measures to prevent recurrence.
[Photo by Juso Eun]

The Government Employees' Union stated, "Is 'verbal abuse, informal speech, and verbal violence' a legitimate legislative activity?" and urged, "This could be resolved with a simple apology. Stop escalating this issue, acknowledge your mistakes as the chairman and council members of the county council, and apologize now."

They added, "Our demand is simple and clear. We ask for an apology and a promise to prevent recurrence of the outdated and high-handed abuse of power and informal speech. However, Chairman Kim and Councilor Oh have consistently made excuses that the related government employees caused the problem, refusing to accept the signed petition demanding an apology from 485 government employees and rejecting official requests for meetings."

They further criticized, "'The pot calling the kettle black' has its limits. Instead, the council members are using false propaganda vehicles to obstruct legitimate union activities and openly slander us," and "On top of that, mysterious wreaths with writings full of insults and threats are damaging and suppressing the honor of government employees."

Previously, the Government Employees' Union held several press conferences and condemnation rallies demanding apologies for their 'abuse of power and verbal abuse.' In contrast, Chairman Kim and Councilor Oh have strongly opposed these demands, claiming their actions are legitimate legislative activities.

The Government Employees' Union stated, "About 25 minutes of the 30-minute conversation consisted of verbal abuse, informal speech, and verbal violence," adding, "The content includes words like 'look down' and 'grave' without hesitation. The full 30-minute conversation will be separately provided to media outlets."

Voices supporting Chairman Kim and Councilor Oh were also heard at the same location where the press conference was held.

Members of the Public Officials' Union marched through the town street on Uiryeong market day, repeatedly urging the county council members to apologize.
Photo by Juso Eun

A resident delivered a message of support through a loudspeaker mounted on a 1-ton truck, saying, "Chairman Kim Gyu-chan and Councilor Oh Min-ja, do not yield to the Government Employees' Union. Fighting!"

During the press conference, emotions between both sides escalated, leading to increased loudspeaker volume and rough protests, causing a police bus on site to set up barricades in response.

Meanwhile, after the press conference, about 300 union members marched through the town streets on Uiryeong market day, led by broadcast vehicles, repeatedly demanding apologies from the county council members.

Following the march, branch chief Kang Sam-sik and other union executives visited the county council, performed a demonstration by placing a box of apologies at the entrance of the government building, and concluded the schedule.