Controversy has arisen as allegations surface that Kim Kiwoong, the governor of Seocheon County, Chungnam, insulted a county council member at a local event.
On the 22nd, Lee Kangsun, a member of the Seocheon County Council (Democratic Party), issued a press release stating, “At the Seocheon County Patriots and Veterans Families Day event on the 21st, Governor Kim, during his congratulatory remarks, said to me while I was recording a video, 'Please do not record. Why are you recording? Are you recording to file a complaint? Why are you doing such things here? Councilman Lee Kangsun! Please do not record.'”
He continued, “He said, 'Can’t you just not record? I’m not going to say anything special, so why are you recording... This is really petty. Do I, Kim Kiwoong, look that ridiculous to you? What are you doing? Were you trying to file a complaint?'”
Lee pointed out, “I attended the event as a council member, and it was a gathering with many residents. Other residents at the event were freely able to record, but by singling me out and making it seem as if video recording was illegal or problematic, the governor acted in a way that could lead attendees to misunderstand. This is a crude attack that neglects the governor's duties.”
He added, “I suspect that such an outburst may have been triggered by accumulated emotions over the issues I raised regarding Governor Kim and his family's irregularities during this year’s administrative audit.”
Lee further criticized Governor Kim, asking, “Has the governor ever expressed his position or communicated with the residents regarding numerous irregularity cases, such as the illegal activities at the Deokam-ri governor’s family recreation area, the log cabin case, the election law violation case, suspicions of providing golf club memberships or discount tickets, and verbal abuse toward subordinate officials?”
He went on, “The governor should deeply reflect on whether the residents should truly regard a governor who cannot even make excuses, let alone provide an explanation, as their leader. He must sincerely consider the feelings of the residents.”
Lee also stated, “Governor Kim must apologize to the residents and to me, and make a commitment to prevent recurrence. Otherwise, we cannot avoid holding him accountable for his outbursts. We are fully considering legal action.”
He added, “I hope Governor Kim, as he reflects on the past, will not rely on his biased beliefs for the remainder of his term, but will fully listen to the opinions of various residents and public officials.”
In response, Governor Kim Kiwoong told Asia Economy in a phone call, “Councilman Lee recorded to find fault with what a conservative governor would say at a conservative event. Councilman Lee is well known among Seocheon residents for liking to file complaints. Four public officials related to the recreation area development have been investigated and paid fines. There is no reason for a council member to record at the event.”
Meanwhile, it is reported that about 400 residents attended the Seocheon County Patriots and Veterans Families Day event.
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