On the 17th, He Reversed His Resignation on Facebook, Calling It a "Hasty Decision"
Drew Criticism for Withdrawing His "I Will Take Responsibility" Stance in Just One Day
Local Community Raises Suspicions of "Political Calculation"
Councilor Kang Says, "Other Councilors Did Not Keep Their Promise to Resign Together"
On the 17th, Councilor Kang Pilgu of Yeonggwang County posted on his Facebook a statement reversing his intention to resign. Screenshot of Councilor Kang Pilgu's Facebook post
Kang Pilgu, a nine-term member of the Yeonggwang County Council in South Jeolla Province and the most re-elected among basic councilors nationwide, declared his resignation, taking responsibility for the controversy over the misappropriation of 'discretionary project funds' by fellow councilors. However, it was belatedly revealed that he reversed his decision just one day later, drawing criticism. Voices are being raised from various quarters, denouncing this as a "premature resignation show" and accusing him of deceiving the local residents who have supported him for over 30 years.
According to Yeonggwang County Council and local political sources on the 21st, Councilor Kang Pilgu stated on his Facebook page on the afternoon of the 17th, "It was a hasty decision. I sincerely apologize," and added, "Although I made the decision to become a politician without shame, I have decided to withdraw my intention to resign."
This was a complete reversal of his position, which he had posted on Facebook just one day earlier, on the 15th, in connection with the 'discretionary project fund controversy.' At that time, he wrote, "I take the disappointment and anger of the county residents seriously. Although I have committed no personal wrongdoing, as a nine-term councilor, I will take responsibility and resign from my position."
Discretionary project funds refer to special budgets, similar to "pocket money budgets," used by councilors to address projects in their own constituencies. Due to side effects such as companies colluding with councilors to win contracts, these funds were abolished in 2012 under guidelines from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
Some members of the Yeonggwang County Council, however, have continued this practice as a custom until recently, and have been deeply involved in budget allocation and project assignment, causing a stir in the local community. It is reported that investigative agencies, including the police, are aware of these facts and are currently looking into the matter.
Councilor Kang submitted his resignation to the council office on the 11th, stating that he felt responsible for the misconduct of younger local politicians. He then made his position public through Facebook and local media on the 15th, causing a major issue. However, it was confirmed that just one day after his resignation became official, on the 16th, he submitted a withdrawal letter reversing his decision. The next day, he posted an explanation on Facebook, but has since deleted the post.
Within Yeonggwang County, this is being seen as the result of Councilor Kang's "thorough political calculation," as he is well-known as a seasoned politician. It is believed that he used the controversy in the region as a form of "personal marketing," drawing on his experience from nine terms in office.
The problem is that Councilor Kang's indecisive reversal is causing significant confusion in the local community.
One resident of Yeonggwang County commented, "There are suspicions that some councilors misappropriated discretionary project funds, so I was puzzled as to why Councilor Kang Pilgu announced his resignation," and added, "If it was to attract attention, then it was very successful."
The resident continued, "The issue of discretionary project funds is not a minor matter, and for a councilor who announced his resignation to change his position so quickly is an insult to the local residents."
In response, Councilor Kang explained, "When the issue of discretionary project funds emerged earlier this month, I discussed the matter with six other councilors, and we all agreed to resign together. Among these six, some were directly involved in the discretionary fund issue, but in the end, no one except me actually resigned. In that situation, I felt there was no point in resigning alone."
He added, "I have nothing to say about making such a hasty decision to resign," and continued, "I feel deeply apologetic to the county residents."
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