Political Circles and Civic Groups Criticize Park Kyungkwi's Loss of Asan Mayoral Position

Democratic Party: "Mayor Park Kyunggui Is the Source of Conflict"
Asan City Council: "Full Reconsideration of Mayor Park's Pledged Projects"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As Park Kyunggui, the mayor of Asan, has lost his position following the Supreme Court's final ruling, local civic groups and political circles have simultaneously voiced criticism.

Mayor Park was indicted in November 2022 on charges of spreading false information by raising suspicions of real estate speculation against his opponent, former Asan Mayor Oh Sehyun, through press releases and statements during the 8th nationwide local elections in May 2022.

The first and second trial courts found Mayor Park guilty and sentenced him to a fine of 15 million won. In January, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling and sent the case back for procedural reasons, but the Daejeon High Court, after reviewing the case, upheld the original sentence of a 15 million won fine.

Following the loss of Mayor Park's position, the local political community unanimously raised their voices in criticism.

The Chungnam Provincial Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea stated, "For the past two years, Mayor Park Kyunggui has been the source of conflict, and Asan city administration has been in chaos," and pointed out, "The Asan City Council, which has called for normalization, as well as parents, Asan City Hall officials, and journalists, have all experienced numerous conflicts due to his unilateral administration."

They added, "The Supreme Court's final ruling clearly confirms the judiciary's intent to strictly punish Park Kyunggui's blatant illegal and fraudulent election, and serves as a warning to the irrationally managed and chaotic Asan city administration over the past two years."

Democratic Party-affiliated members of the Asan City Council also stated, "During Park's tenure, Asan was flooded with indiscriminate cultural and artistic events, and individuals who falsified their academic credentials were hired as heads of public institutions through improper means."

They continued, "Public institutions in Asan were taken away to other regions, and the sudden suspension of some educational funding led to the disruption of children's education. While the mayor's absurd pledges were funded solely by city finances, securing government funding was neglected. Meanwhile, Park set a record for the most overseas business trips taken in the shortest period among all former Asan mayors."

They further stated, "Now Asan needs a time for recovery. We will resume projects that Park unilaterally halted and thoroughly review his unrealistic initiatives."

Civic groups also voiced unanimous criticism.

The Asan Citizens' Solidarity stated, "While acting as an administrative expert, Park took 12 overseas trips disguised as business trips during his two years and three months in office," and criticized, "He regarded administration that thoroughly ignored citizens and the city council as part of the mayor's authority. He divided citizens and council members, openly criticizing those who disagreed with him, making him a symbol of authoritarian administration."

Meanwhile, Park Kyunggui commented, "I respect the judiciary's decision, but I cannot accept in my heart the parts that fail to see the truth," and added, "The 8th popularly elected administration has drawn up many long-term visions for Asan, unlike previous ones, and I will strive to support and critique Asan city administration from the outside so that these plans can proceed without setbacks."