Introduced the "Term Alignment System" as Daegu Mayor
"Lee Jinsook follows the example of Jeon Hyunhee... Consequence of the Democratic Party"
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo described Lee Jinsook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, as a "consequence of the Democratic Party of Korea." He drew a comparison to the case of Jeon Hyunhee, the former Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, who resisted stepping down during her remaining term despite being an appointee of the previous Yoon Sukyeol administration.
On July 10, Hong Junpyo stated on his Facebook page, "When there is a change in administration, it is the proper spirit of a regime change for political appointees and heads of public institutions appointed by the previous government to step down together with the president."
He continued, "The very first thing I did as Daegu Mayor was to pass an ordinance that required political appointees and heads of public institutions to resign simultaneously when the mayor changes, a system of term alignment. Even if there is remaining tenure after a change in administration, it is wrong for officials from the previous government who do not align with the new administration to stubbornly cling to their positions, as this undermines the spirit of regime change."
Hong Junpyo added, "When Jeon Hyunhee, the former Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, insisted on staying in office by citing her remaining term after the administration changed, I thought it set a very bad precedent. Now, seeing Chairperson Lee Jinsook following the same example, I consider this a consequence brought about by the Democratic Party. When there is a change in administration, it is right for those who align with the new government to run the country during their term. Since changes in administration will likely continue to occur frequently, the National Assembly should promptly enact a law, as Daegu did, to align terms and prevent such confusion during transitions of power."
On July 8, Chairperson Lee Jinsook received a warning from the Board of Audit and Inspection, which stated that she must not violate the obligation of political neutrality, referencing her past remarks on YouTube and other activities. Subsequently, she was excluded from the list of attendees for a cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jaemyung.
On July 9, Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated during a briefing, "Starting next week, the current Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission will not attend cabinet meetings," referring to the Board of Audit and Inspection's measures. She further pointed out, "Nevertheless, the Chairperson has continued to express her personal political views at cabinet meetings and has repeatedly violated the obligation of neutrality for public officials by posting her political opinions on her personal social media."
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