"Why Wasn't I Given a Speech?" Gumi City Council Member Apologizes for Assaulting Staff, Calls Incident "Shameful and Distressing"

Admits Assaulting Staff Over Protocol Dispute
"Deepest Apologies to the Victims"

Gumi City Council building. Photo by Asia Economy DB

A Gumi City Council member has issued a public apology after assaulting a staff member because he was not given the opportunity to deliver a congratulatory speech at an event held in his own constituency.

According to industry sources and the Gumi City government on May 26, Councilor A, a member of the People Power Party, attended the opening ceremony of the "Sweet Romantic Night Market" held at Indong Market in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province on May 23.

However, several witnesses saw Councilor A cursing at and apparently slapping City Council employee B in a corner of the event venue. According to testimonies, Councilor A was reportedly upset and acted out because he was not allowed to give a congratulatory speech at an event in his own constituency.

As the controversy grew, the councilor posted an apology on his Facebook page. Councilor A stated, "I sincerely apologize once again to the victims whom I have directly hurt."

He continued, "Because I took issue with the protocol, I lost control of myself and was swept up in intense emotions. In the process, I engaged in words and actions that should never have occurred, especially profanity and physical contact, which are unacceptable for someone in a public position representing the citizens."

He also said, "This incident is extremely shameful and distressing for me. I offer my deepest apologies once again to the victims whom I have directly hurt, rather than hiding behind the excuse of having a fiery personality or my lack of patience."