Guri Mayor Dances at Picnic Amid Flood Emergency... City Hall Message Board Erupts

Baek Kyunghyun Faces Backlash for Attending Picnic During Flood Damage
Citizens Demand Apology and Resignation
Mayor Explains: "Attended for About 20 Minutes, Did Not Drink Alcohol"

Baek Kyunghyun, the mayor of Guri City in Gyeonggi Province, is facing heavy criticism from Guri residents after it was revealed that he attended a picnic where alcohol was served while casualties were occurring due to torrential rains.

The mayor of Guri City, Gyeonggi Province, attending a picnic during the flood damage situation has sparked controversy. Photo by SBS

On July 22, a resident posted on the Guri City Hall website's "Voice of the Citizens" section, saying, "While citizens spend sleepless nights worrying about possible floods, the mayor goes to a picnic?it's infuriating. My parents have lived in Guri for over 30 years, and I was foolish to entrust our safety to a mayor like this." The resident continued, "Resign. Isn't the position of mayor supposed to be about considering citizens and ensuring administrative safety for them? If you don't step down, I will even submit a petition to the president."

Another resident also commented, "Flood damage is occurring across the country, and in Guri City, Wangsuchun Stream overflowed due to sudden heavy rain, submersing the riverside park and washing away roads. Yet, in the midst of all this, you attended a picnic. Stop working just for show and for photo ops. Apologize to Guri citizens and request a prompt recovery of the flood-damaged areas. Mayor Baek Kyunghyun should respond personally, not make unrelated staff handle the reply."

According to SBS, Mayor Baek attended the picnic held in Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province, on July 20. In the video released by SBS, Mayor Baek is seen holding a microphone, singing passionately, and dancing. It was also confirmed that bottles of alcohol were present on the picnic tables.

The video was filmed at a time when Guri City was experiencing flood damage due to torrential rains. Bridges were damaged by overflowing rivers, and flooding was reported in various places, including four riverside roads. Water levels in rivers throughout Guri City rose, prompting a flood advisory that remained in effect from early morning until 11:20 a.m. that day. It is also reported that public officials from the city's Safety Management, Road, and Greenery Divisions were on emergency duty from early morning until 2:30 p.m. on the same day to prepare for flood damage.

Mayor Baek arrived at the Hongcheon picnic site around 1:30 p.m. on July 20. Earlier that day, at 9:30 a.m., Mayor Baek had sent a text message in his name to Guri citizens, asking them to report flood damage to the disaster situation room. Despite being aware of the disaster risk, he still attended the picnic.

Mayor Baek explained to SBS, "I attended the picnic for about 20 minutes at the request of Guri citizens," and added, "I did not drink alcohol." He continued, "I left for Hongcheon after checking the damage situation at the Guri City disaster situation room, but I acknowledge my mistake and apologize to Guri citizens for causing concern."