Andong City Council Expels Council Member Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

The First Step Toward Restoring Trust in the Public Sector
A Declaration to Uphold Ethics Together with Citizens

The Andong City Council has taken a decisive step by expelling a council member accused of sexual harassment, reaffirming ethical standards within the public sector.

Vote of Andong City Council

As the morality and sense of responsibility of local councils have come under scrutiny, Andong's decision is being recognized as a demonstration of "the path to preserving the honor of public office."

◆ Council Member Expelled Over Sexual Harassment Allegations: "The Dignity of Public Officials Is Non-Negotiable"

On October 17, during the first plenary session of its 261st extraordinary meeting, the Andong City Council put to a vote the expulsion motion for Council Member A, which had been proposed by the Special Ethics Committee. Out of 18 council members, 16 participated in the vote, with 14 in favor and 2 abstentions, resulting in the motion being passed.

As a result, Council Member A immediately lost their seat. Council Member A is currently under police investigation for allegedly sexually harassing a member of an overseas performance troupe at the Andong International Mask Dance Festival in September.

Following strong backlash from civil society and local public opinion immediately after the incident, the council swiftly formed an ethics committee and took firm action.

An official from the Andong City Council stated, "There can no longer be any tolerance for actions that severely undermine the dignity of public officials," adding, "Since the legitimacy of local councils is built on the trust of citizens, upholding ethical standards is the council's duty."

◆ Civil Society: "A Decision of Conscience, Not Politics"

Local public opinion has responded positively to the decision, describing it as "a choice of moral responsibility rather than political gain or loss." A representative of a civic group in Andong commented, "It was a decision that met the expectations of citizens," and added, "The fact that the local council has upheld its own ethical standards is a sign of political maturity in the region."

This decision is particularly noted as a symbolic case demonstrating that the ethical standards of local councils can transcend disciplinary procedures and become a value rooted in "public trust."

◆ "The Honor of Public Office Must Be Upheld"

Experts in local governance have agreed that "the morality and self-purification capacity of local councils serve as a barometer for the level of regional democracy," and that "the decision by the Andong City Council is a meaningful measure that sends a strong message throughout the public sector."

The power entrusted by citizens must be proven through responsibility. Only unwavering commitment to protecting the honor of public office can restore trust.