The Return of Andong’s Eight-Term Councilor... Son Kwangyoung Restarts 'Citizen-Centered Council' Beyond Controversy

Expulsion → Court Suspension of Enforcement → Return
"Politics That Began in the Alleyways, Answering to the Citizens Once Again"

"A year and a half after taking office, I have stood before the citizens again, having passed through the center of controversy."

Son Kwangyoung, Vice Chairperson of Andong City Council (Independent, representing Taehwa, Pyeonghwa, and Angi), has declared the resumption of a 'citizen-centered council' as he returns to legislative duties. Despite the complex situation involving his expulsion and the court's decision to suspend the enforcement of that expulsion, he stated, "I will serve the citizens with even greater humility."

Soyoung Son, Vice Chairperson of Andong City Council (Council Member of Andong, 5th to 9th term)

◆ The Symbol of an Eight-Term Independent... "Politics Begins Not at the Desk, but in the Alleyways"

Son's political career began in 1995 with the reinstatement of local autonomy and has continued for 29 years as an independent. Since being elected as Vice Chairperson in the latter half of the 9th term, he has proposed and passed 39 ordinances and regulations, delivered 13 five-minute speeches, and conducted 6 administrative inquiries, addressing the full spectrum of Andong's welfare, safety, housing, and environmental issues.

◆ Legislation Focused on Vulnerable Groups and Everyday Life... Driving Tangible Change

Ordinances aimed at supporting socially disadvantaged groups exemplify Son's legislative philosophy. A series of ordinances have been enacted to strengthen the welfare network for people with borderline intellectual disabilities, individuals with severe disabilities, the elderly, low-income residents, local security organizations, and veterans' groups.

Ordinances that bring about changes in daily life also stand out. The '1,000-Won Breakfast' ordinance has increased local rice consumption and eased the burden on young people, while the 'Children's Praise Ordinance' is regarded as a new model for child emotional policy.

"It is clear from the list of ordinances that Son has always used the citizens' perspective as his legislative standard."

◆ Wildfires, the Nakdong River, and the Hemp Special Zone... Proactive Response on the Ground

During the large wildfire in Uiseong-Andong in March 2025, he took the lead in advocating for the enactment of a special recovery law and for national support. He was also at the center of local issues such as proposing the 'New Deal Task Force' for ecological restoration of the Nakdong River and Andong Dam, creating a phased dredging roadmap, analyzing the underperformance of the Hemp Special Zone, and demanding structural improvements.

He also promoted urban infrastructure improvements, including the 'Turn to Andong' population strategy, the creation of the Danwon Kim Hongdo Park, and securing 15 shared parking lots.

Since August 2025, he has continued to participate in policy discussions, free speeches, and supplementary budget reviews in the areas of environment, housing, and budget, working to allocate public funds and improve living conditions.

◆ Expulsion Controversy and Suspension of Enforcement... "I Will Prove My Innocence Through Due Process, Not Emotion"

Amid allegations of sexual harassment at the Andong International Mask Dance Festival's Daedong Nanjang, Son was expelled in October.

This was the first expulsion case since the founding of the Andong City Council. However, on November 7, the Daegu District Court granted a suspension of enforcement, allowing his return, and the council is currently appealing the decision.

At a press conference on November 14, Assemblyman Son said, "I deeply apologize for causing concern among the citizens," but also stated, "Claims that are not factual and distorted information have spread as if they were established facts."

He added, "I am faithfully cooperating with the police investigation, and I believe my innocence will be proven by facts, not by assertions."

◆ "Not the Remaining Term, but a New Year"... Restarting Legislative Activities

Son identified welfare enhancement, youth employment, urban gas supply expansion, council-executive cooperation, and regular communication with the public as his key priorities for the remainder of his term.

He emphasized, "Action, not words, is the essence of politics," and added, "With the mindset that this is not just the remainder of my term but a new year, I will work to improve the quality of life for citizens."

An official from Andong City Council commented, "Vice Chairperson Son's return is significant in terms of continuity and momentum for local public policy. As legal proceedings are still ongoing, local community interest will continue."