Democratic Party Gwangju Branch Refers 10 City Council Members to Ethics Tribunal

Attention on Whether Special Committee Formation Constitutes "Misconduct"

The controversy surrounding the composition of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts by Gwangju City Council members affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea is spreading. On July 28, the Democratic Party's Gwangju Metropolitan City branch announced that it had referred 10 Gwangju City Council members involved in the matter to the party's Ethics Tribunal.

The city branch conducted an in-depth investigation into the process in which Democratic Party council members within the council elected an independent as the chair of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts and a People Power Party member as the vice-chair. This investigation, carried out under the direction of branch chair Yang Bunam, is interpreted as a measure to clarify the suspicions.

Among the 10 council members, 7 served as the final members of the 9th council's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, and it was revealed that Sim Changuk, an independent, was elected as chair through a closed vote. In particular, chair Shin Sujeong nominated Sim Changuk, contrary to the agreement made during the council's formation a year ago, which sparked additional controversy.

The city branch confirmed inappropriate conduct by the council members in relation to this incident and requested an objective judgment from the Ethics Tribunal. The Ethics Tribunal will review whether the members violated party regulations and, if necessary, proceed with disciplinary procedures.

The referred council members acknowledged the lack of transparency and procedural issues in the selection process and sincerely expressed their apologies. They also deeply reflected on their failure to meet citizens' expectations and promised to conduct future legislative activities with morality and transparency.

The council members stated, "We feel a heavy sense of responsibility regarding the process of electing the chair and vice-chair," and added, "The city council failed to meet the expectations and standards of the citizens. We will approach our legislative duties with principles and accountability going forward," expressing their apologies and reflection.

A city branch official explained, "This case was referred because it was determined that there were circumstances suggesting misconduct, and we have requested a judgment from the Ethics Tribunal."