Democratic Party and Justice Party Urge Kim Kiwoong, Seocheon County Governor, to Apologize to Residents and Resign Immediately

Boryeong-Seocheon Democratic Party Committee Urges Thorough Investigation by Authorities into Governor Kim and Family
Boryeong-Seocheon Justice Party Committee Calls for Thorough Probe into Department Store-Style Corruption Allegations by Police and Prosecutors

Shinhyun Sung, chairman of the Democratic Party's Boryeong Seocheon regional committee, is holding a press conference on the 9th at Chungnam Provincial Government Office, urging the resignation of Kim Kiwoong, Seocheon County Governor, who is suspected of conducting secretive administration in a log cabin. / 2024.07.09 Asia Economy Photo by Kim Ayoung

The Boryeong-Seocheon Regional Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea urged on the 9th, "Governor Kim Kiwoong, who has undermined trust in Seocheon County administration and severely damaged its honor, should resign."

The Boryeong-Seocheon Regional Committee of the Democratic Party held a press conference at the South Chungcheong Provincial Office on this day, stating, "Due to the alleged misconduct of Governor Kim and directors and team leaders, 50,000 county residents have been deeply disappointed. The illegal activities involving Governor Kim's family have made over 800 public officials question the very existence of administrative principles."

They further claimed, "Governor Kim has recently summoned county office officials, journalists, heads of institutions, police officers, and business owners?those potentially violating the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act?entertained them with wine, made them watch his promotional videos, and emphasized the necessity of his re-election, engaging in closed-door administration."

Regarding the permit for the expansion of a recreation area under the name of Governor Kim's family, they criticized, "It has been revealed that there was illegal use of forest and farmland, unauthorized occupation of nearby road sites, and illegal landfill of dozens of tons of industrial waste. However, Governor Kim has made outrageous remarks such as, 'It's just a small piece of land, something that commonly happens in the real world.'"

They also pointed out, "Over the past two years since Governor Kim took office, it has become a society without shame, where illegal administration is not hesitated. In this desperate crisis where we must overcome the risk of population extinction and local extinction, Governor Kim has completely taken away the hope of 50,000 residents and the region, leaving county administration in shambles."

Regarding the suspicion of the governor's wife receiving a luxury bag, they stated, "The honor and image of Seocheon County have been seriously damaged. As the saying goes, 'Where there is smoke, there is fire.' Rumors are rampant about luxury bags, long wallets, claims of never having given gifts, or having returned them after receiving them. The truth must be revealed through a thorough investigation by judicial authorities into Governor Kim and his family."

They reiterated, "Governor Kim, who has betrayed the residents' trust and driven Seocheon County into a dark future without hope, should immediately resign."

The Boryeong-Seocheon Regional Committee of the Justice Party in South Chungcheong Province also issued a press release on the same day, urging, "The prosecution, police, and election commission must thoroughly investigate Governor Kim's department store-like comprehensive corruption allegations in accordance with the law and principles."

They further argued, "Although county officials should execute their duties equally and happily for all residents using taxpayers' money, the Seocheon County Governor must officially apologize to the residents and immediately resign for having disappointed everyone by illegally pursuing personal interests."

Meanwhile, an employee, presumed to be working at Seocheon County Office, reported suspicions of donation activities and prior election campaign collusion involving Governor Kim and team leader B to the National Sinmungo and public interest reporting section of the South Chungcheong Provincial Office on June 3.

Employee A claimed, "Another public official, C, is believed to have purchased a luxury bag at a duty-free shop during a trip to Osaka, Japan, last May and gifted it to Governor Kim's wife."