Conflicting Claims Between Assemblyman A and B
Party's Ethics Tribunal Set to Convene
It takes courage to witness and report a colleague's wrongdoing within an organization. Living and working together under the same organizational roof creates bonds-both positive and negative-and reporting such matters often requires a period of deep contemplation. For example, not only unfair conduct but also actions that violate ethical standards can pose risks to the entire organization, making it necessary to respond in order to drive improvement. This is to prevent situations where the interests of the many are sacrificed for the sake of the few.
Recently, allegations have surfaced within the Sejong City Council regarding unfair conduct and abuse of power by a Democratic Party member toward fellow council members and secretariat staff, sparking controversy. It has come to light that Assemblyman A, a member of the Democratic Party, has filed a disciplinary petition against fellow party member Assemblyman B with the party's Ethics Tribunal, drawing attention to the background of this decision. Given that they belong to the same party and have worked together in the council for over three years, it is believed that making such a decision would have required considerable courage.
In particular, a similar case involves a Democratic Party council member in Sejong who is currently on trial for allegedly committing forcible molestation against a fellow council member. This case is also pending in the judiciary after being reported by a fellow party member. In the first trial, the council member was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, and the appeal trial is currently underway.
According to the Democratic Party's Sejong branch and several council members, Assemblyman A submitted a disciplinary petition against Assemblyman B to the branch's Ethics Tribunal. The reason cited was that Assemblyman B had abused secretariat staff and engaged in other unfair conduct of a similar nature. Park Beomjong, the chief spokesperson for the branch, confirmed in a phone interview with a reporter, "It is true that our party member filed the petition and that it is under review. The Ethics Tribunal will be convened after examining the claims of both council members."
Assemblyman A, who raised the issue, told the reporter, "I cannot disclose details as the results are not yet out, but my decision was solely for the sake of the party, as I believe no further risks should arise for us. Secretariat staff, while supporting the council members, are individuals who deserve respect as human beings, but I have often witnessed situations where this was not the case, which left me with no choice but to take this action." In summary, Assemblyman A expressed anger and an inability to tolerate situations where staff were forced to work late into the night and were not allowed to leave work.
Assemblyman B has reportedly stated to the media, "I have not received any official notice from the party. I heard that a single-page complaint was submitted, but since the content is not true, I have nothing to respond to and feel wronged."
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