Notice sent at 11 a.m. on the 13th, same as the county council...
Speculation arises over efforts to keep the chairman in check regarding possible run for governor
There are criticisms that Seo Cheon County Governor Kim Kiwoong has caused discord with Seo Cheon County Council Chairman Kim Gyeongje in relation to the Eulsa Year New Year's press conference.
According to an Asia Economy report on the 14th, Seo Cheon County Council notified reporters covering the county about a luncheon meeting scheduled for the 22nd via text message around 11 a.m. on the 13th.
Seo Cheon County also sent an email to only 13 resident reporters at 5:50 p.m. on the 13th, announcing a New Year's tea meeting and luncheon to be held at 11 a.m. the same day.
It is reported that Governor Kim has not made any official statements regarding last year's Seo Cheon Specialty Market fire or suspicions of violations of the Public Official Election Act.
There are also suspicions that the announcement of the tea meeting and luncheon only to 13 resident reporters, rather than all reporters, was an attempt to block sensitive questions about possible violations of the Public Official Election Act.
In particular, there is speculation that this may have been an attempt to keep Chairman Kim Gyeongje, who is being mentioned as a possible candidate for governor in the 2026 local elections, in check.
Additionally, the lack of competence of the Public Relations and Audit Office, which failed to properly grasp the local situation and schedule, has also come under scrutiny.
The county claims that the PR team coordinated with the county council to postpone the schedule, but reporting has revealed this is not true.
Regarding this, a county official stated, "The Public Relations and Audit Office and the Secretariat coordinated to set the date. The PR team discussed with the council, and the council decided to postpone, while the county proceeded as planned," adding, "We were not aware of the council's schedule. It is true that communication with the council was lacking, but there is no room for conflict."
He added, "We planned this as a one-time conversation with the press. We will continue to make efforts to improve communication with the media and accept suggestions."
A county council official said, "The PR team came to meet the chairman today," adding, "The chairman had an external schedule, so they agreed to meet again in the afternoon, but there was no coordination of schedules."
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