Kim Ki-woong, Seocheon County Governor, "I Have Never Received a Luxury Bag for My Wife"

"Don't Even Know the Name, So Unfair... Abuse of Power Among Public Officials Is Common"

An employee, presumed to be working at Seocheon County Office in Chungnam, raised suspicions about the county mayor's wife receiving a luxury handbag through the Chungnam Provincial Government's online petition system. In response, County Mayor Kim Ki-woong stated on the 20th, "My wife did not receive a luxury handbag."

In a phone interview with Asia Economy the previous day, Mayor Kim said, "(My wife) did not receive a luxury handbag. She doesn't even know the name of the bag. It's very unfair," adding, "The employee who claimed to have given it came and apologized, saying they caused trouble because of themselves."

He continued, "If we are talking facts, shouldn't there have been a photo taken of the bag? There is nothing at all," and questioned, "Some in the local community say, 'What would she lack to receive a luxury handbag?' while others say it was done by someone trying to earn more. Does that even make sense?"

Regarding incidents involving some employees caught for theft, abuse of power, and drunk driving, Mayor Kim said, "Abuse of power is common among public officials," and added, "In any society where people live, how can there be no drinking or abuse of power?" This statement has drawn criticism for the mayor's lack of awareness of the seriousness of the situation and for causing secondary harm to the victims, despite his role in maintaining public service discipline.

Last year, due to verbal abuse and power harassment by a team leader-level public official, two employees resigned, and some others are receiving medical treatment.