Drunken Misconduct at Alma Mater Graduation Ceremony... Hong Seong-pyo, Asan City Council Chairman, "Very Sorry" Resigns

Attended While Intoxicated, Caused Controversy with High-Handed Attitude
People Power Party: "He Should Also Step Down as Council Member"

Hong Seong-pyo, chairman of the Chungnam Asan City Council, recently apologized and resigned from his council position after attending a high school graduation ceremony in a drunken state, sparking controversy.

Recently, the Asan City Council announced that Chairman Hong would resign from his position in connection with the incident at the Asan High School graduation ceremony. On the 10th, he reportedly attended his alma mater's graduation ceremony intoxicated, displaying a high-handed attitude toward students and delivering a speech unrelated to the ceremony.

Hong Seong-pyo, Chairman of Asan City Council. Provided by Asan City Council

Following the controversy, Chairman Hong opened up on his social media, saying, "I caused a disturbance and brought great disappointment to the citizens of Asan." He added, "I sincerely apologize to the graduates, faculty members, parents, and many others present at my alma mater's graduation ceremony for causing discomfort." He continued, "On that day, I attended the official graduation ceremony in an inappropriate state, which caused much disappointment to the faculty, parents, and graduates." He bowed again, saying, "I apologize for causing discomfort due to my careless behavior at such a meaningful event."

Subsequently, Chairman Hong submitted his resignation letter to the council secretariat. He stated, "I am very sorry to the citizens for not fulfilling my duties as chairman until the end. I will not lose the initial resolve I had as a first-term council member and will fulfill my duties as a city council member with more humility and a lower profile going forward."

On the 16th, members of the Asan City Council affiliated with the People Power Party issued a statement saying, "Chairman Hong behaved disgracefully at the graduation ceremony of his alma mater high school by forcibly making students stand and using a coercive tone." They added, "He also caused a disturbance by sneering at protesting parents." They argued, "He is trying to evade responsibility by resigning as chairman after causing a major disturbance. The chairman represents the council, and he became chairman because he was a council member. Since Hong is unqualified as a council member, he should also step down from his council position."