Gokseong-Gurye Committee Issues Statement, Urges Return of Salaries
"Democratic Party's Unilateral Rule Breeds Moral Hazard and Corruption"
On August 12, the Gokseong-Gurye Regional Committee of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party (Chairman: Park Ungdu) called for the resignation and return of salaries by Democratic Party members of the Gokseong County Council, who have become embroiled in controversy due to a series of corruption allegations.
In a statement released that day, the regional committee stressed, "Council members who have seriously damaged the honor of Gokseong County must sincerely apologize to the residents and voluntarily step down," adding, "It is urgent to restore the trust and pride of the residents."
The committee claimed that Council Member A, after being fined 3 million won by the court for improper solicitation and bribery, is currently under investigation for abuse of authority and bribery charges.
They also pointed out that Council Member B is under police investigation for allegedly securing county-ordered construction projects through operating a construction company under a borrowed name, and Council Member C is currently on trial for misconduct, including the alleged improper receipt of national subsidies amounting to around 500 million won.
The committee criticized, "The reality that three out of seven county council members are under investigation seriously undermines the fundamental principles of local autonomy," and added, "Past practices such as the improper use of discretionary funds, abuse of power against public officials, and inappropriate overseas training trips have fueled public distrust."
The Gokseong-Gurye Regional Committee of the Innovation Party stated, "The Democratic Party's unilateral dominance has led to moral hazard and corruption," and announced plans to "pursue a resident recall campaign against corrupt council members and revise the council's code of ethics."
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