Amid Discretionary Fund Controversy, Yeonggwang's Longest-Serving Council Member Kang Pilgu Announces Resignation

Through Facebook: "I Will Take Responsibility as a Senior Council Member"
Adds, "I Take the Residents' Disappointment and Anger Seriously"

As controversy over "discretionary project funds for council members" continues in Yeonggwang County Council, South Jeolla Province, Kang Pilgu, the council member with the most terms (nine terms) among basic local council members nationwide, has expressed his intention to resign, taking moral responsibility.

According to Yeonggwang County Council and related sources on July 16, Kang submitted his resignation on July 15, stating he would "take responsibility as a senior council member" in relation to the recent controversy over the "customary use of discretionary project funds by council members."

Through Facebook, Kang stated, "I take the disappointment and anger of the residents regarding the discretionary project funds controversy very seriously," and added, "Although I have committed no personal wrongdoing, I judged that, as a nine-term council member, I cannot avoid political responsibility." He further explained his reason for resigning, saying, "Someone must take responsibility. As a senior member, I have decided to resign from my council position."

Discretionary project funds refer to so-called "pocket budgets" that are used by council members to address civil petitions in their constituencies, often regarded as populist expenditures. This system led to side effects such as businesses with ties to council members winning project contracts, and was abolished in 2012 according to guidelines from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

However, it was recently revealed that some members of Yeonggwang County Council have continued this practice as a custom, intervening in budget allocations and project assignments, causing a stir in the local community.

Previously, on July 12, Kim Kangheon, Chair of Yeonggwang County Council, stated at the opening of the 289th extraordinary session, "There is no excuse for actions carried out under the pretext of custom," and added, "From now on, I will not make any demands or interventions regarding the executive branch."

Meanwhile, as Yeonggwang County Council is currently in an extraordinary session, it may put Kang's resignation to a vote, but some speculate that the chair may reject the resignation letter.