Kim Kiwoong, Seocheon County Governor: "No Golf Club Memberships Provided to Public Officials or Journalists"

"I Have Never Owned or Allowed the Use of the Reported Golf Club Membership"

Kim Kiwoong, the governor of Seocheon County in Chungnam, refuted allegations on the 19th regarding the provision of golf club memberships to public officials and journalists, stating, "It is not true."

Governor Kim sent an email to some journalists on this day, saying, "When I took office as governor in 2022, I stepped down from the management of the company where I previously worked," and added, "Neither I nor the company have ever owned the golf club memberships reported in the media."

He further asserted, "As reported by the media, there has never been any instance where I allowed anyone else to use memberships for Gunsan CC, Buyeo Lotte CC, Boryeong Base CC, or any other clubs."

Previously, on the 18th, our outlet reported under the headline "Kim Kiwoong, Governor of Seocheon County, Suspected of Providing Golf Club Memberships to Public Officials and Journalists" that an individual, Mr. A, had submitted a petition to the Chungnam Police Agency alleging that Governor Kim provided golf club memberships and discount coupons owned by his company to county government directors, team leaders, and local media editors, which may constitute a violation of the Public Official Election Act (prohibited donations).

Governor Kim stated, "I express deep regret over the inappropriate media coverage that caused misunderstanding among residents and undermined morale in county administration by raising allegations based solely on the informant's claims, without verifying facts or seeking a rebuttal."

He added, "Once the investigation related to the election law is concluded, I will provide a detailed explanation of all the facts," and continued, "I consider the trust of the residents to be of utmost importance, and I promise to continue doing my best to conduct transparent and honest county administration."