Kim Taeheum Criticizes Democratic Party for Emotional Appeals Over Floods, Calls Overseas Trip Accusations Political Attacks

"Achieved 82.5 Billion Won in Foreign Investment...
Flood Recovery Measures Fully Prepared"

Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province

Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province, responded to criticism that his recent overseas trip to Europe was for leisure, stating, "I will never overlook the impure intentions of the Democratic Party, which is trying to turn the pain of our residents into a political issue."

On July 25, through his social media, Governor Kim emphasized, "This trip was not only for receiving the Universiade flag, but also achieved results for the future of South Chungcheong, such as attracting 82.5 billion won in foreign investment and signing export contracts worth 460 billion won. Before departing, I thoroughly prepared recovery measures, and there is no administrative vacuum in the provincial government."

He continued, "South Chungcheong Province announced special support measures for each sector?including housing, agriculture, and small business?faster than other regions, and the vice governor is taking all possible measures to ensure recovery. The Democratic Party is trying to apply the 'leisure trip' frame by dragging in Daejeon and North Chungcheong, where flood damage was minimal."

In particular, he sharply criticized, "Hwang Myungseon, a Democratic Party Supreme Council candidate and political novice, is using flood damage to appeal emotionally. I hope he does not start his political career by learning the wrong lessons."

Governor Kim added, "Stop turning the pain and suffering of our residents into a subject for political strife. Politics should be about ability, not just responsibility."

Previously, on July 24, Democratic Party Supreme Council candidate Hwang Myungseon criticized Governor Kim's Europe trip on his social media, stating, "Right now, the lives and safety of the people must come before any diplomatic schedule. In such a crisis, it is enough to ask for understanding from counterparts and send a deputy. It is clearly inappropriate for the regional leader to be absent."