"Deep Regret" Amid Growing Criticism
Kim Seongsu, head of Haeundae District in Busan, recently sparked controversy with remarks belittling the Yangyang region of Gangwon and making derogatory comments about women. In response, the labor union of public officials at Yangyang County Office in Gangwon issued a statement, prompting Kim to issue a public apology.
According to Yonhap News on July 25, Kim made remarks during an unofficial meeting with reporters, stating, "Yangyang is not for surfing, it's a place people go to play with fire," and "Don't date women who have been to Australia on a working holiday."
In response, the labor union of public officials at Yangyang County Office released a statement that morning, saying, "Yangyang is a beautiful coastal region of the Republic of Korea, beloved by countless citizens," and expressing "deep regret that such remarks, based on inappropriate perceptions of the region, were openly exchanged."
The union further stated, "These remarks are not simply a personal slip of the tongue, but reflect a distorted perception of the public that must be considered in light of the authority and influence held by public officials." They added, "Targeting and stigmatizing a specific region and women is a very serious matter that undermines the credibility and fairness of the public service sector." The union emphasized, "Public officials serve the entire nation, and every word and action can cause a social ripple effect. We demand that this issue not end with a mere explanation, but that a sincere apology be made."
Choi Jae-min, a Gangwon Provincial Council member from the People Power Party, also stated, "It is deeply regrettable and contrary to the common sense and ethics of the people to make remarks belittling a specific region and young women." He strongly urged, "An official and immediate apology must be made to the residents of Yangyang, the people of Gangwon, and young women throughout the Republic of Korea."
As the controversy grew, Kim issued a statement of apology that afternoon. He said, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was troubled by my remarks recently reported in the media." He explained the occasion, saying, "It was a casual lunch with reporters," and clarified, "I was expressing my commitment to do my best to maintain the reputation of Haeundae and Songjeong beaches as pleasant and safe resorts this summer, and we discussed local issues."
Kim emphasized, "I had absolutely no intention of belittling or disparaging any region or women," and added, "Because only certain expressions were reported, without the full context or atmosphere of the conversation, my remarks were conveyed differently from my intentions, and I sincerely apologize again to everyone who was hurt." He concluded, "As a public official, I will be even more cautious with my words and actions in the future, and I will be especially careful to avoid any misunderstandings."
A banner hanging around Ipgu Beach in Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province. Photo by Yonhap News
Meanwhile, the Yangyang region has been suffering from malicious rumors, with local merchants even putting up banners to appeal for relief from the damage caused by fake news.
Recently, around Ingu Beach in Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang County, more than ten banners have been put up with messages such as "Fake news is hurting Yangyang" and "Yangyang is being criticized because of distorted stories." It is known that these banners were put up voluntarily by nearby merchants.
For the past several years, Yangyang County has been the subject of false information and malicious rumors related to entertainment, drugs, and crime on online communities and social networking services (SNS). In response, Yangyang County plans to file criminal complaints for defamation and obstruction of business against those spreading false information.
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