Concerns Over the Undermining of Political Neutrality and Administrative Fairness in Public Office
Warning Against a Return to Authoritarianism and Expressing Commitment to Defend Democracy
Declaring Lee Jaemyung as a Proven Administrator and Unifying Leader Who Has Led in Communication with the People, Practical Achievements, and Protection of the Socially Disadvantaged
On May 15 at 11:00 a.m., 90 retired public officials who previously served in the Seoul Metropolitan Government and district offices, including Yuboha, former Deputy Mayor of Seongdong-gu, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center to publicly declare their support for Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Drawing on their experience and sense of responsibility as former public officials, they stated, "We can no longer remain silent while the principles of administration for the people are being shaken," and openly announced their support for candidate Lee Jaemyung.
On this day, the declaration was read on behalf of the 90 signatories by Yuboha, former Deputy Mayor of Seongdong-gu. The event was further highlighted by the presence of nine former senior officials who had led various fields in the Seoul Metropolitan Government and district offices, who attended in person.
Yuboha, former Deputy Mayor of Seongdong-gu, is a native of Goheung, Jeollanam-do, and graduated from Suncheon High School and the Department of Taxation at the University of Seoul. He began his career as a Grade 7 civil servant in the Seoul Metropolitan Government and served in key positions such as Planning Officer, Director of Autonomous Administration, and Director of Policy Planning during the tenure of the late Mayor Park Wonsoon, before serving as Deputy Mayor of Seongdong-gu for four years.
Jang Kyungtae, a member of the National Assembly and the General Election Campaign Chair of the Democratic Party’s Seoul Metropolitan Chapter, also attended the event. He encouraged the retired officials who declared their support and expressed deep gratitude and encouragement, stating, "The voices of those who have upheld the neutrality of administration and the values of democracy must come together for the true future of Korea to be established."
The declaration expressed deep concern about the recent judicial decisions and the potential politicization of administrative operations, emphasizing that "Candidate Lee Jaemyung is a proven administrator and a unifying leader who has led the way in communication with the people, practical achievements, and the protection of the socially disadvantaged."
Through this declaration, retired Seoul Metropolitan Government officials such as Yuboha, former Deputy Mayor of Seongdong-gu, Jeong Hugun, former Acting Deputy Mayor of Gwanak-gu, Jo Joik, former Director of Taxation at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Noh Byeongchun, former Director of Bus Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and Lee Yunyoung, former Director of Welfare at Seongdong-gu, stated that this is "a decision for the recovery of the people's economy, the expansion of welfare, and a nation of fair opportunities." They also expressed their collective intention to "prevent a return to past authoritarianism and move toward a future of national unity."
Declaration of Support for Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Lee Jaemyung
? From now on, the true Korea?Now is Lee Jaemyung ?
Dear citizens and all those who share our aspirations!
We are former public officials who served in the Seoul Metropolitan Government and district offices.
During our time in public service, we have always worked with the conviction that administration for the people must stand on fairness and responsibility. While in office, we strictly adhered to the principle of political neutrality and worked diligently to improve the quality of life for citizens and to advance national development.
However, we can no longer remain silent.
We cannot dispel our concerns that the neutrality of administration and the principles of democracy are being shaken in some recent government operations and the actions of certain state agencies. Administrative agencies must be operated fairly in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and public officials must maintain political neutrality and fulfill their roles as servants of the entire people.
Nevertheless, it is regrettable that in the policy decision-making processes of some high-ranking officials, these principles do not appear to be properly upheld. In particular, as the presidential election approaches, judicial decisions are prompting political interpretations and spreading controversy, which threatens public trust in the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.
Furthermore, major policy decisions made under acting authority are being pushed forward without sufficiently reflecting the will of the people, which needs to be reconsidered in terms of administrative responsibility and procedural legitimacy.
We are outraged by the schemes of those who broke the law and mobilized the military to instigate rebellion in order to extend their regime. Those who have undermined democracy and threatened constitutional order must be held fully accountable, and authoritarian practices that once threatened democracy must never be repeated.
In these serious times, candidate Lee Jaemyung has long fought against social injustices and has reflected the voices of the people in policies through an attitude that values listening, coexistence, dialogue, and compromise. In particular, his practical achievements in local administration?such as welfare policies, balanced regional development, and institutional improvements for the socially disadvantaged?have resonated with many citizens.
He seeks, through victory in the presidential election, to restore the people's economy, ensure equal opportunity, expand welfare, rationally reform the national system, and realize national unity.
We firmly believe that candidate Lee Jaemyung is a leader prepared to unite the people beyond conflict and to lead the future of Korea.
Therefore, we wholeheartedly support candidate Lee Jaemyung as the presidential candidate and sincerely hope that he will walk the path of a leader who breathes with the people. Thank you.
[Joint Declaration: From now on, the true Korea?Now is Lee Jaemyung]
May 15, 2025
All 90 retired Seoul Metropolitan Government officials, including Yuboha, former Deputy Mayor of Seongdong-gu
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