Changwon City-Lawmaker First Policy Meeting ‘Absence’ Controversy Over Lawmaker Heo Seongmu Continues

Controversy continues over Heo Seongmu, the National Assembly member for Seongsan-gu, Changwon, from the Democratic Party of Korea, who was absent from the first policy meeting for local district lawmakers in Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam.

On the 15th, Changwon city council members from the People Power Party held a press conference in front of the city council, demanding an explanation for Heo's absence and an apology.

The council members criticized, "Although an invitation to the meeting was sent in advance, he alone did not attend an event prepared for the future of Changwon and to address current issues and alleviate the difficulties of Changwon citizens."

They added, "It has not been long since the general election, yet there seems to be a lack of interest in the current issues and future of Changwon. If Heo truly cared about the citizens, he should have adjusted his schedule to attend the meeting regardless of other commitments."

Members of the People Power Party in Changwon Special City Council are holding a press conference regarding Democratic Party National Assembly member Heo Seongmu's absence from a meeting with local district National Assembly members of Changwon City.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

They urged, "Heo should explain his absence and apologize to the citizens of Changwon," and added, "Put aside political relations and focus on legislative activities for the benefit of Changwon residents."

In response, Heo's office issued a statement refuting the criticism.

Heo's office stated, "The city of Changwon did not coordinate the schedule for the policy meeting with our office, nor was there any agreement on the date," and claimed, "The assertions from the People Power Party city council members are highly intentional and malicious."

They further pointed out, "If the national projects related to Changwon's current issues and livelihoods are truly that important, even after the meeting, the mayor could have visited Heo's office. It is the duty of city council members to criticize the mayor for traveling all the way to the National Assembly in Seoul and returning without any results."

Heo's office asserted, "This press conference was a wrongful political maneuver. Heo is more concerned about Changwon's future than anyone else, and regardless of official duties, he is willing to meet the mayor or any relevant officials for the benefit and future of Changwon, and will do his utmost."

Changwon Mayor Hong Nampyo (center) and National Assembly members Choi Hyungdoo, Yoon Hanhong, Kim Jongyang, and Lee Jongwook (from left) are taking a commemorative photo at the policy meeting with invited National Assembly members from Changwon, Gyeongnam. Photo by Changwon Special City Hall

Previously, on the 9th, the city of Changwon held a policy meeting at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, inviting local lawmakers and requesting parliamentary support for 56 national projects and issues, including the establishment of a digital transformation (DX) support center for machinery and defense manufacturing industries, the closure of Lotte Department Store Masan branch, and the establishment of a medical school.

Only four People Power Party lawmakers attended the meeting: Yoon Hanhong from Masan Hoewon-gu, Choi Hyoungdoo from Masan Happo-gu, Kim Jongyang from Uichang-gu, and Lee Jongwook from Jinhae-gu.

At the time, Heo's office explained that he had official commitments from the morning, including a preliminary meeting of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, making it difficult for him to attend.

This was the first official gathering between Mayor Hong Nampyo of Changwon and local lawmakers since the launch of the 22nd National Assembly. However, concerns have been raised about the cooperation between the current and former city administrations, local governments, and lawmakers, as Heo, who previously served as mayor, did not attend.