Governor Kim Taeheum: "Emergency Department and Bureau Chiefs Meeting Convened During Martial Law... Responding According to Manual"

Kim Taeheum Chungnam Governor

Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, stated on the 16th that during President Yoon Sukyeol's declaration of martial law on December 3, "an emergency meeting of department heads was convened, and we responded immediately according to the manual prepared for emergency situations."

On the same day, Kim Seontae, a member of the Chungnam Provincial Council (Cheonan 10, Democratic Party of Korea), questioned Governor Kim's actions during a five-minute speech at the 4th plenary session of the 365th regular meeting, saying, "Although key department heads reportedly gathered when martial law was declared, the list of attendees, the content of discussions, and communication records with the 15 cities and counties remain unclear."

In response, Governor Kim asserted, "Immediately after martial law was declared on the night of December 3, I convened an emergency meeting of department heads around 12:30 a.m. the following day," and added, "We reviewed our respective duties according to the manual for emergencies such as wartime or incidents, and I urged everyone to carry out their work in accordance with the law and principles, and to uphold public service discipline."

He further emphasized, "After martial law was lifted by the National Assembly, I immediately expressed the opinion that the President should revoke martial law in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures."

Regarding the posting of political messages on the communication platform, he said, "I am both a governor and a politician," and added, "I do not believe it is appropriate to take issue with a party member delivering the party's message while holding party membership."

He continued, "Although central politics is currently in turmoil, I would like to reiterate that I, along with all provincial public officials, will faithfully carry out our duties in accordance with the law and principles without wavering."