Asan City Council to Submit Disciplinary Motion Against Chairman Hong Sungpyo on July 7

30-Day Attendance Suspension Decided by Ethics Committee

Chairman Hong Seongpyo is delivering a congratulatory speech under the influence of alcohol at his alma mater's graduation ceremony on January 10. (Provided by Asan City Council)

The Asan City Council in South Chungcheong Province will present a disciplinary proposal for Council Chairperson Hong Seongpyo, who displayed drunken misconduct at his alma mater's graduation ceremony, on the 7th of next month.

The Steering Committee confirmed the agenda for the 256th extraordinary session through a meeting held at 10 a.m. on the 24th.

Previously, members of the Ethics Committee's advisory panel reportedly recommended that, considering the severity of Chairperson Hong's misconduct, a public apology at the plenary session would be an appropriate disciplinary action.

However, after seven meetings and discussions, the Ethics Committee decided to increase the level of disciplinary action to a 30-day suspension from attendance, taking into account Chairperson Hong's overall behavior after the incident and the fact that he has shown no remorse.

If Chairperson Hong's suspension is confirmed at this extraordinary session, the 257th extraordinary session, which opens on the 28th of the same month, will be presided over by Vice Chairperson Maeng Uiseok.

Meanwhile, Chairperson Hong attended his alma mater's graduation ceremony in a drunken state on January 10th, causing a scene by arguing with parents and displaying disorderly conduct.

Subsequently, on the 14th, he submitted a letter of resignation to the council's secretariat, stating, "I take full responsibility." However, the resignation motion was rejected in a vote, with 7 in favor and 9 against.

Following the rejection, Chairperson Hong immediately submitted a withdrawal from the Democratic Party of Korea's South Chungcheong Provincial Chapter, and the party expelled him in accordance with party regulations for members who leave during disciplinary proceedings.