"How Can You Eat in This Situation?"... Why Jeonju Mayor Was Doused with Water

Water Thrown from Cup by Opposing Residents
at Jeonju-Wanju Integration Luncheon Meeting

Woo Beomgi, the mayor of Jeonju, who is currently promoting the integration of Jeonju City and Wanju County in North Jeolla Province, was doused with water by a resident opposing the merger.

According to Jeonju City and Yonhap News on July 25, Mayor Woo held a luncheon meeting at around 11:50 a.m. with about 10 members of a pro-integration group at a restaurant in Bongdong, Wanju County. However, during the meeting, about 10 residents who oppose the integration rushed into the restaurant, shouted loudly at Mayor Woo, and confronted Jeonju City officials, creating a tense standoff.

Woo Beomgi, mayor of Jeonju, is being splashed with water by residents opposing the Jeonju-Wanju integration at a restaurant in Bongdong, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk, around 11:50 a.m. on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

The opposing residents protested vehemently, shouting phrases such as "How can you eat in this situation?", "Take care of Jeonju's debt first," and "How dare you come here?" Among them were reported to be Yoo Uisik, chairman of the Wanju County Council, and two or three other county council members. Mayor Woo determined that it was no longer possible to continue the meeting and attempted to leave the restaurant. During this process, one resident splashed a large amount of water from a large coffee cup onto Mayor Woo's face. In addition, according to city officials, the director of planning and coordination for Jeonju City was grabbed by the collar, and Mayor Woo was grabbed by the waist. Due to this commotion, Mayor Woo canceled his planned afternoon visit to the Saengganggol Traditional Market in Bongdong, Wanju County.

The police are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident. A city official stated, "Mayor Woo was hit with a significant amount of water," and added, "He came to Wanju County hoping for no conflict, so it is regrettable that this happened." The official also said, "At present, we are not considering legal action against the perpetrator."