A Message Merely for Show, Ignoring Citizens' Expectations
"Resignation and Reorganization of Controversial Committee Members Must Follow"
"Lack of Will for Improvement... Demonstrate a Responsible Attitude"
The 'apology statement' released on July 29 in response to the recent controversies surrounding the Gwangju City Council's Special Ethics Committee and Special Budget and Accounts Committee has instead provoked cynicism and anger among citizens. This is due to criticism that the brief statement lacks sincerity and is seen as a 'self-serving apology without reflection.'
On this day, the Gwangju City Council issued an 'Apology to the Citizens' in the name of Chairperson Shin Sujeong, stating, "We deeply bow our heads and sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and concern to the citizens regarding the formation of the 4th Special Ethics Committee and the Special Budget and Accounts Committee."
The statement continued, "We acutely feel that this is not a simple procedural issue, but a serious matter that fundamentally calls into question the morality, public nature, and trust of the city council with the citizens." It also added, "We will deeply engrave the anger and disappointment of the citizens in our hearts, restore your trust, and strive to become a more mature council," presenting a short apology.
However, this apology statement from the city council fell far short of citizens' expectations. Instead, it only intensified their disappointment. Although the council apologized for the controversies arising from the formation of the Special Ethics Committee and the Special Budget and Accounts Committee, it did not provide any concrete explanation of what was done wrong, nor did it show any sense of responsibility.
A genuine apology must acknowledge the facts, demonstrate a responsible attitude, and include promises to prevent recurrence. However, there is criticism that the statement issued on this day amounted to nothing more than a 'message of evading responsibility.'
In particular, although the statement appeared to reflect on itself by saying, "This is not simply a procedural issue but something that makes us reconsider morality and public nature," it did not mention what specific procedures were wrong. What citizens are demanding from the council is an explanation of which procedures were problematic and why this betrayed their trust. The apology merely repeated the phrase "we deeply apologize," making it difficult to avoid criticism that it is nothing more than the political community's "empty words."
A citizen, Mr. Kim (60), said, "This apology lacks genuine reflection or a will to improve," and pointed out, "If the city council truly wants to restore citizens' trust, it must show fundamental system reform and a responsible attitude, not just a formal apology."
A representative of a civic group commented, "The apology statement released today is not a genuine apology but merely a formal procedure, which has only widened the gap of trust between citizens and the local council," and added, "As a representative body, they must show action, not words. Promises such as the resignation and reorganization of the special committee members involved in the controversy must follow."
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