Noh Gwangyu, Suncheon Mayor: "Securing National Funding Is a Duty of Local Government Leaders"

Local Political Circles Criticize Kim Keon-hee's "Unofficial Channel"
Some City Council Members Call It "Political Maneuvering Ahead of Next Year's Local Elections"

Noh Gwan-gyu, the mayor of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, has acknowledged that he contacted Kim Keon-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, during the process of securing national funding, sparking ongoing controversy. However, some point out that the essence of the issue lies in separating the public duties of local government leaders from the problem of privatizing power.

Mayor Noh mentioned the need for budget support directly to the president at the opening ceremony of the Garden Expo, and, following advice, conveyed the related situation to the First Lady at the time. He did not hide this process and openly admitted it.

Suncheon Bay National Garden. Provided by Suncheon City

Some members of the local political community have raised concerns about this, but the prevailing view is that securing national funding is a public duty that the mayor is naturally expected to perform. In fact, some city council members countered, saying, "Criticizing efforts to secure national funding for citizens is excessive political maneuvering."

The core of the controversy is that Kim Keon-hee received budget-related information directly despite holding no official position. Experts point out, "The institutional problem, in which unofficial channels were used, originated from the president's spouse," adding, "Shifting responsibility onto Mayor Noh only obscures the real issue."

Ultimately, this case can be summarized as follows: first, Mayor Noh's actions were legitimate duties performed for the citizens; second, the issue of privatizing power arose from the president's spouse. Even amid political disputes, it is important to clearly distinguish the nature of the actions and where responsibility lies.

An official from the city said, "Suncheon City's budget has always been secured through legitimate procedures, and this will continue in the future. It is incomprehensible to now criticize us for allegedly securing funds through a 'private channel.'"