"Person in Charge Sent Text Saved on Personal Phone by Mistake"
A newly elected member of the National Assembly, who caused controversy by sending a mass text message to unspecified residents announcing his child's wedding shortly after being elected in the recent general election, has finally issued a public apology.
On the 25th, Lee Sang-hwi, a member of the People Power Party elected from the Nam-gu, Pohang City·Ulleung electoral district in North Gyeongsang Province in this general election, said on Facebook, "I caused a stir regarding my daughter's wedding," and added, "Regardless of the reason, I am sorry and regretful." He explained, "The controversial wedding announcement text was sent to acquaintances saved in my personal phone," and "Although I decided not to notify anyone since I am an elected official, the person in charge mistakenly sent the prepared message." Lee also clarified that his daughter's wedding date was not recent but set for October last year. He added, "As a public figure, I should have thought and acted deeply, but I failed to do so," and "I will serve and work with humility to the best of my ability as you have chosen me."
Lee recently caused controversy by sending a large number of text messages to unspecified citizens of Pohang City, informing them of his daughter's wedding time and place. Although the message included a phrase stating, "We politely decline congratulatory money and flower wreaths," many citizens felt burdened upon receiving it. While the message did not include the account number of the host, which is commonly seen in recent wedding invitation texts, it did contain details such as the wedding time and location.
Public Apology Posted by E Sang-hwi on Facebook [Image Source=Screenshot from E Sang-hwi's Facebook]
A representative of a civic group in the Pohang area posted a captured photo of the message on their social media, criticizing it as "a message that burdens people with how to congratulate an elected official wearing a gold badge." One citizen said, "Although it said they decline congratulatory money, how could anyone remain silent after receiving such a message?" Another citizen commented, "It is bitter that someone I barely know sent a message announcing their child's wedding immediately after being elected as a member of the National Assembly."
Meanwhile, on the 19th, after attending the Disabled Persons Day ceremony held in Pohang, Lee summoned the event organizers, including Pohang city directors and managers, and raised complaints about protocol issues, becoming the center of a 'gapjil' (abuse of power) controversy. At the time, the mayor and city council chairman gave congratulatory speeches separately on the stage, but Lee reportedly took issue with only standing alongside local city and provincial council members and just greeting. Subsequently, a post criticizing Lee appeared on the Pohang city public officials' union bulletin board, stating, "Abuse of power immediately after being elected, once given the armband, the abuse starts right away." In response, Lee's side claimed, "It was a meeting to hear explanations, not an abuse of power."
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