"City Choir is Like Pus"...Councilor Kim Euna Apologizes

"Intended to Point Out Structural Issues"
...Choir Cancels Protest Press Conference

On June 19, Kim Euna, a member of the Asan City Council in Chungnam, issued a statement apologizing for her remarks in which she compared the city choir to "pus."

Previously, during the 259th regular session of the Culture, Environment, and Welfare Committee's administrative audit of the Culture and Arts Department held on June 17, Councilor Kim commented on the results of a study regarding the regularization of the city choir, stating, "Regularization is a positive step, but in some ways, the choir is like pus in Asan City."

In her statement, Kim said, "If my remarks have caused discomfort or hurt to any members of the city choir, I sincerely regret it," and added, "I had no intention whatsoever to undermine the existence or value of the city choir."

She continued, "The controversial remark was intended to point out administrative issues that require structural improvement, and was made as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the public nature and safety of the arts. I humbly accept that my choice of words may have caused misunderstandings."

She further emphasized, "From now on, I will approach my legislative duties with greater caution," and stated, "I will also pay closer attention to preserving the cultural value of the city choir."

In response to her remarks, the city choir and others had planned to hold a protest press conference in front of City Hall on the morning of June 19, but canceled the event after the statement was released.

Meanwhile, the city choir has been demanding to be converted to regular employment (regularization), and since Mayor Oh Sehyun took office following the by-election in April, full-fledged discussions have been underway.