Kim Tae-heum, the governor of Chungnam Province, apologized on the 19th for making inappropriate remarks to members of the Chungnam Provincial Council.
At the 2nd plenary session of the 357th temporary meeting of the Chungnam Provincial Council, Governor Kim stated, "During the directors’ meeting, while pointing out the insufficient response of senior officials, some of my expressions were inappropriate, and I regret causing concern to the council members."
Previously, on the 10th, during a directors’ meeting, Governor Kim criticized the council for its inadequate response regarding the sale of the Chungnam Forest Resources Research Institute and sparked controversy by referring to the provincial council members as "ignorant council members."
On the 11th, the provincial government explained Governor Kim's remarks, saying, "In the process of pointing out the insufficient response of senior officials due to their lack of understanding of their duties, his comments about the need to provide clear information to the council members were somewhat overly expressed."
However, on the 13th, Democratic Party-affiliated council members visited Governor Kim in protest and held a press conference in the council’s briefing room, demanding a public apology.
Chairman Hong Seonghyeon stated, "I express deep regret over the governor’s inappropriate remarks toward council members, who represent the residents, during the directors’ meeting presided over by the governor on the 10th," and added, "I urge you to be more careful with your words in the future, respecting the council as the representative body of the residents."
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