Gwangju Buk-gu Council's Use of Gift Certificates for Travel Expenses Draws Public Criticism Despite Council Members' Explanations

Training Expenses of 44 Million Won Paid with Gift Certificates
Refund of 4.4 Million Won Returned After a Month
Council Members: "Executed According to Procedure... Not Illegal"
Civic Groups: "Council Credibility Undermined, System Reform Needed"
Police Launch Investigation... First Witness Interview Conducted

The police have launched a full-scale investigation after it was confirmed that members of the Gwangju Buk-gu Council paid for their training expenses in Japan using Onnuri gift certificates. Although the council members explained that "it was not illegal," civil society groups criticized the delayed handling of the refund, stating that "the council has undermined its own credibility."

Members of the Gwangju Buk-gu Council held a press conference in front of the Gwangju Northern Police Station on the afternoon of the 8th, urging a swift investigation into the allegations regarding official overseas business trip expenses. Photo by Song Bohyun

On the afternoon of September 8, twelve members of the Buk-gu Council held a press conference in front of the Gwangju Northern Police Station. They stated, "The various allegations recently raised are not true," and "We strongly urge the police not to delay any further and to conduct a swift and fair investigation."

They argued, "This matter did not arise from illegality, but rather from efforts to maintain transparency and reduce council expenses. During the police’s preliminary inquiry, information about the case was leaked externally, distorting the truth and causing irreparable harm to the council members."

Assemblyman Jeong Jaeseong said, "If we had purchased the Onnuri gift certificates for personal use, there would have been no reason to inquire with the Board of Audit and Inspection and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety about the procedures for handling cost savings before leaving the country. Even at the cost of inconvenience, we tried to save public funds and support local finances. It is unreasonable and clearly defamatory to misrepresent this decision as personal misuse."

Expense details for the overseas training trip to Tokyo, Japan, prepared by the Gwangju Buk-gu Council. The total amount was approximately 44.43 million won, including daily allowances, meals, accommodation, and airfare.

According to the travel plan prepared by the Buk-gu Council, the delegation consisted of 16 people, including 12 council members and 4 staff members. In July, approximately 44.43 million won for the Tokyo, Japan training expenses was paid into individual accounts, and the council members used this money to recharge digital Onnuri gift certificates, which were then used to pay the travel agency. During this process, suspicions arose that about 4.4 million won in refunds may have been used personally by the council members.

It was confirmed that the refund was not processed in the accounting records until September 4, more than a month after receiving a response from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety at the end of July. A representative from the council’s educational support team stated, "The secretariat is only responsible for the accounting process of paying travel expenses. We do not get involved in how the council members pay or use the money they receive. On September 4, the 4.4 million won was returned under the categories of 'council member overseas travel expenses' and 'staff overseas business travel expenses.'"

Despite the council members’ explanations, civil society remains critical. Cho Seonik, co-representative of Participation Autonomy 21, pointed out, "The police have launched an investigation because they found problematic circumstances. The council members are not in a position to hold a press conference and ask for a quick investigation." He added, "The investigation itself is a nuisance to the residents and undermines trust in the council. This investigation should serve as an opportunity to address public criticism of overseas training by local councils and to reform the system."

The police announced that they have begun questioning witnesses and reviewing documents related to the allegations. A police official stated, "Today, we conducted the first witness interview, and we are now reviewing the relevant documents submitted by the Buk-gu Council. Further review is needed to determine which aspects may constitute an offense and how to interpret them legally." The official added, "The investigation covers 15 people, including 12 council members and 3 council secretariat staff. One staff member who was listed in the travel plan did not actually participate in the trip and has been excluded."