Amid ongoing conflict over the future of political appointees appointed by former Changwon Special City Mayor Hong Nampyo, who stepped down after his election was annulled due to a confirmed violation of the Public Official Election Act, a resolution urging the voluntary resignation of these political appointees was rejected by the Changwon City Council.
The Changwon City Council convened the 142nd extraordinary session on April 24 at the request of 18 council members and put to a vote the "Resolution Urging the Voluntary Resignation of Appointed Officials for the Restoration of Honor and Responsible Administration in Changwon City."
A resolution urging the voluntary resignation of a political appointee appointed by the former mayor, submitted at the 1st plenary session of the 142nd extraordinary meeting of the Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongnam, was rejected. Screenshot of Changwon City Council live video
Seo Myeongil, a Democratic Party council member who sponsored the resolution, stated, "Cho Myeongrae, the 2nd Deputy Mayor, Shin Byeongcheol, the Inspector General, and Lee Eun, the Political Affairs Advisor, are key figures who have assisted the former mayor Hong as close associates," and added, "In relation to the annulment of Mayor Hong's election, we urge the major appointed officials to voluntarily resign."
Of the 44 council members, all 18 Democratic Party members voted in favor of the resolution, while among the 26 People Power Party members, 4 voted against and 22 abstained, resulting in the resolution's rejection.
Subsequently, a proposal urging an investigation into former Democratic Party Mayor Heo Seongmu for causing serious risks to Changwon City's finances due to violations of laws and regulations, sponsored by People Power Party council member Park Seungyeop, was passed.
The proposal called for a prompt investigation into whether laws were violated in connection with major projects that allegedly had a negative impact on Changwon City's finances, including: the Jinhae Ungdong District Integrated Tourism and Leisure Complex Development Project, the Changwon Cultural Complex Town Development Project, the Sahwa and Daesang Park Private Park Special Development Project, the Masan Marine New City Public Project, and the Hydrogen Liquefaction Plant Development Project.
The Democratic Party of Korea Changwon City Council members held a press conference in front of the city council building to condemn the city council's decision. Photo by Lee Seryung
Immediately after the extraordinary session, the Democratic Party council members held a press conference in front of the city council building, strongly condemning the outcome of the session.
The council members stated, "Political appointees are not simply administrative officials, but share responsibility with the mayor in determining the direction of city administration," and added, "Remaining in office even after the mayor has stepped down does not meet the expectations of citizens and represents an evasion of even the minimum responsibility."
They further pointed out, "Public office is not a privilege guaranteed by term, but a position that must bear the weight of responsibility."
Park Haejeong, the Democratic Party floor leader, argued, "The People Power Party not only rejected the resolution but is also attempting to shift the blame for major project failures in Changwon City onto the former administration, and the proposal to request an investigation into the former mayor is merely a political maneuver to evade responsibility."
Previously, the People Power Party council members held a press conference, emphasizing, "Open-term appointees are positions filled through proper procedures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations," and asserted, "It is not possible to force resignation from such positions based solely on political arguments."
They added, "Since the law guarantees the term of office, appointees must fulfill their duties for the remainder of their term."
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