Hanam City Council: "Meeting with Mayor Lee Hyunjae... Prioritizing Citizens' Interests Through Respect for Budget Deliberation and Cooperative Governance"

Hanam City Council and Mayor Mend Rift Over Budget Cuts
Cooperation and Coexistence Reaffirmed Ahead of Administrative Audit and Next Year's Budget Review

The chairpersons and standing committee heads of Hanam City Council visited Hanam Mayor Lee Hyunjae to express their regret over recent remarks related to budget cuts. They emphasized the need for cooperation and coexistence between the city council and the executive branch, thereby resolving the conflict.

The chairpersons and standing committee heads of Hanam City Council visited Mayor Lee Hyun-jae's office on the 5th to express their regret over the remarks about the cultural budget cuts. Provided by Hanam City Council

According to Hanam City Council on November 6, Chairperson Keum Kwangyeon, Vice Chairperson Jeong Byeongyong, Council Operations Chairperson Jeong Hyeyoung, Autonomy and Administration Chairperson Lim Heedo, and Urban Construction Chairperson Choi Hoonjong met with Mayor Lee Hyunjae at 4 p.m. on November 5. They confirmed the details of Mayor Lee's remarks regarding the budget cut process for "Music In The Hanam" and the busking performance "Stage Hanam," and exchanged opinions.

At the meeting, Chairperson Keum Kwangyeon stated, "Budget deliberation is the exclusive authority of the council, but remarks that suggest 'Hanam City Council cut all the budget' place a burden on the council," and began by requesting, "I hope you will exercise restraint in your expressions out of mutual respect."

He continued, "At the 344th Second Regular Session, which opens on the 20th, an administrative audit and the 2026 main budget review are scheduled. Let us work together, the city council and the executive branch, to achieve good results for Hanam citizens."

Previously, at a regular meeting on October 20, the city council had discussed a strong response, claiming that Mayor Lee Hyunjae's remarks about budget cuts amounted to "disregarding the council."

In response, Mayor Lee Hyunjae said, "I was personally deeply hurt during the budget cut process for the Hanam Music Festival 'Music In The Hanam' and the busking performance 'Stage Hanam,' which were promoted to revitalize culture and the local economy. However, as there were some inquiries and complaints from citizens, I explained the budget cut process accurately based on facts. There was never any intention to disregard the council's authority for budget deliberation and resolution."

Additionally, Vice Chairperson Jeong Byeongyong pointed out, "Illegal banners are rampant in various parts of the city, including around Hanam City Hall, damaging the city's appearance and living environment." He called for prompt maintenance, enforcement, and fair administration. In response, Mayor Lee Hyunjae said, "I agree with your remarks about the banners," and promised, "We will prepare additional measures to address the issue."

Meanwhile, on this day, the chairpersons and standing committee heads of Hanam City Council and Mayor Lee Hyunjae discussed major local issues together and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperative governance for the development of Hanam, regardless of political affiliation.