Kim Haenggeum, Cheonan City Council Chair, Apologizes for Private Use of Official Vehicle, but Sincerity Questioned

From "Information Gathering" Excuse to Asking for "Another Chance"
Civic Groups: "An Apology Without Genuine Responsibility Is Deception of the Public"

On May 12, Kim Haenggeum, the chairperson of the Cheonan City Council in South Chungcheong Province and a member of the People Power Party, issued a public apology to citizens regarding her private use of an official council vehicle. However, there are criticisms that her statement was more of an excuse, further fueling public disapproval.

Kim explained her use of the official Cheonan City Council vehicle, accompanied by a government-employed driver, to attend the People Power Party's national convention at Goyang KINTEX on May 3. She stated, "I received an invitation. I considered attending the convention to be an official duty for the purpose of information gathering."

Regarding expenses, she explained, "The driver’s trip was processed as an official business trip, and I personally paid for meals, fuel, and tolls. I did not use the corporate card." However, as questions have been raised about whether attending a political event with an official vehicle can be considered an official duty, her emphasis on paying out of pocket is being criticized as an excuse that avoids the core issue.

She continued, "I will correct the error in my judgment," and promised, "I will strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations, and thoroughly review the use of official vehicles."

At the end of her statement, she requested leniency, saying, "I would appreciate it if you would give me another chance to do better before condemning my mistakes."

While she pledged to prevent recurrence and improve the system, she did not mention taking any specific responsibility for her actions.

This is not the first time Kim has shown an irresponsible attitude.

Previously, Kim reported allegations of personnel misconduct in the council secretariat to the Board of Audit and Inspection, publicly stating that she would take responsibility depending on the results. However, after the Board concluded that the secretariat chief had not violated the Local Public Officials Appointment Decree and closed the case, Kim took no action for over a month.

A representative from a civic group criticized, "For a public official who used an official vehicle for a political event to ask citizens for another chance in her apology is outrageous. An apology without genuine responsibility for her actions is nothing but deception of the public."

Meanwhile, city council members from the Democratic Party of Korea have announced plans to refer Kim to the Ethics Committee, escalating the issue into a political dispute over responsibility.