Daejeon City Council Criticizes Poor Management of Municipal Art Museum and Favoritism in Venue Rentals

Chairman Jeong Myungkuk of the Administrative Committee Criticizes Lax Discipline Among Public Officials
Assemblyman Lee Jungho Says "Timing of '0si Chukje' Festival Needs Adjustment"

The Administrative Autonomy Committee of Daejeon City Council conducted an administrative audit of the Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau on the 12th. / City Council

During the administrative audit of the Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau by the Administrative Autonomy Committee of the Daejeon City Council held on the 12th, criticism was raised regarding the lax management of duties and preferential venue allocations at the Daejeon Museum of Art.

Chairman Jeong Myeongguk (People Power Party, Dong-gu 3) pointed out the poor duty management and weakened discipline at the Daejeon Museum of Art, demanding strict disciplinary action for repeated failures to report external lectures and unauthorized use of sick leave. He also expressed his intention to request an audit regarding the illegal parking of the museum’s official vehicle and emphasized the need for more thorough and systematic management.

Vice Chairman Lee Yonggi (People Power Party, Daedeok-gu 3) stated, "It is necessary to analyze the reasons for the decline in Daejeon City Tour users and to check whether the operator is securing profitability," criticizing that "Daejeon's city tour lacks originality compared to other metropolitan cities." He further suggested, "There is an urgent need to develop various programs, including customized tour products for people with disabilities and the elderly, and to strengthen related promotional efforts."

Assemblyman Lee Byungcheol (People Power Party, Seo-gu 4), regarding the restoration project of the former Daejeon Provincial Government Office, demanded a reconsideration, stating, "Attracting Starbucks Reserve Roastery may undermine the historical and public value of the site." He also criticized that "the Isadong Confucian Traditional Ritual Hall, which cost 13 billion KRW, needs differentiated content development and substantial operation," pointing out that the content development service was not properly utilized and emphasizing the importance of establishing a practical operation plan.

Assemblyman Lee Jungho (People Power Party, Seo-gu 5) strongly criticized the Daejeon Museum of Art's venue allocation, highlighting the Daejeon Art Association's near 30-year monopoly. He stated, "The museum is contributing to the strengthening of the association's power and concentrating exhibition leadership, rather than providing opportunities to local artists," and pointed out, "It is inappropriate for the city to support the association's venue allocation every year with construction costs and subsidies." Regarding the 'Zero Hour Festival,' he said, "There is a disconnect between the festival slogan and the actual program," and suggested, "The timing of the event should be adjusted to address discomfort caused by the summer heat." He also proposed that, in order to establish the festival's identity and leave a strong impression on citizens, the city should focus on a consistent plan even if the scale is reduced.

Assemblywoman An Gyeongja (People Power Party, Proportional Representation) pointed out the lack of systematic management of the museum's collections and donated items, urging thorough inspection. She also criticized that the Daejeon Cultural Foundation's budget is focused on commissioned projects rather than its original function of supporting culture and the arts, emphasizing the need to separate commissioned projects from support projects to improve administrative efficiency.