Changwon Acting Mayor Jang Geumyong: "Full Efforts for Stable City Administration"

※ "We will do our utmost to minimize administrative gaps and operate municipal affairs stably so that there is no anxiety or inconvenience in the daily lives of citizens."

Jang Geumyong, the First Deputy Mayor of Changwon, who will serve as acting mayor in place of Hong Nampyo, the mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, whose election was nullified on the 3rd due to a confirmed violation of the Public Official Election Act, made this statement.

Acting Mayor Jang convened an emergency executive meeting that afternoon, emphasizing this point while mentioning the high level of domestic and international social and economic uncertainty.

He also said, "Now, more than ever, we need the trust and support of our citizens," and urged, "Let us communicate closely and cooperate to overcome this difficult period together."

Additionally, he requested, "All public officials, including executive officers, should faithfully fulfill their respective roles so that various administrative services and major policies can be implemented without disruption."

Hong Nampyo, mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, whose election was nullified due to a violation of the Public Official Election Act, stands in the front row center. Before leaving the city hall, he stands side by side with Jang Geumyong, the first vice mayor of Changwon City (front row, fourth from left), posing for a photo. Photo by Lee Seryung

Mayor Hong was brought to trial on charges of conspiring with Mr. A, who was then the head of his election campaign, to promise a public office to Mr. B, who was seeking to run in the People Power Party's primary for Changwon mayor, in exchange for joining the campaign ahead of the June 2022 local elections.

He was indicted on November 30, 2022, and about one year and two months later, on February 8, 2024, was acquitted in the first trial. After the prosecution appealed, about nine months later, on December 18 of the same year, he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year, in the second trial.

Under the Public Official Election Act, if an elected official is confirmed to have violated the law and is sentenced to imprisonment or a fine of 1 million won or more, their election is nullified.

Accordingly, under the Local Autonomy Act, from the 3rd, when the mayoral vacancy occurred, until a new mayor is elected and inaugurated, the First Deputy Mayor will act on behalf of the mayor with equivalent authority.