"Inappropriate Conduct" Kim Hee-hyun, Jeju Provincial Deputy Governor, Resigns... "I Apologize"

Controversy Over the Timing of Budget Deliberations

Kim Hee-hyun, the Jeju Provincial Government's Deputy Governor for Political Affairs, who was at the center of controversy due to inappropriate conduct amid last year's budget bill negotiations, has resigned.

On the 15th, Deputy Governor Kim expressed in a statement read by Jeju Provincial Government spokesperson Yeo Chang-su, "First of all, regardless of the facts, I feel sorry for causing fatigue and concern to public officials and residents due to the recent controversy. I offer my apologies."

Kim Hee-hyun, Jeju Province Deputy Governor for Political Affairs. Photo by Deputy Governor Kim

Deputy Governor Kim said, "I will now step down from my position and return to being a private citizen," adding, "I will take time for self-reflection to be recognized by the residents and everyone else." He also stated, "Wherever I am, I will wish for the success and happiness of Governor Oh Young-hoon’s administration," and "Even after leaving the Jeju Provincial Government, I will live serving others."

Earlier, KBS Jeju Broadcasting reported on the 8th that Deputy Governor Kim visited Busan for personal reasons on a weekend before the New Year budget review on November 25 last year. The report suggested that Kim’s conduct was inappropriate amid the intense conflict between the provincial government and the provincial council over the budget bill. The footage showed Kim putting his arm around a woman’s shoulder, leaning on her, or linking arms with her.

Additionally, it was reported that on November 27, two days later, Kim was absent from the budget review committee due to an official overseas business trip to Ireland for the 5-night, 6-day World Local Governments Union Cultural Summit.

In response, the Jeju branch of the People Power Party and local civic groups strongly criticized his inappropriate behavior.

However, Deputy Governor Kim initially stated he had no intention to resign and vowed to respond strongly to the media reports. At a press conference on the 10th, Kim explained, "Even on legal holidays like Saturdays or during business trips, personal matters can be attended to," and added, "I cannot agree that attending to personal matters just before the session is a problem; it is an excessive interpretation."

According to spokesperson Yeo Chang-su, Deputy Governor Kim visited the governor’s office just before officially announcing his position and expressed his intention to resign. It is known that Governor Oh Young-hoon accepted Kim’s resignation.

Deputy Governor Kim was appointed as the Deputy Governor for Political Affairs in August 2022 after Governor Oh Young-hoon took office. Kim is a three-term provincial council member from his local constituency.