25 of Assemblyman Shin's New Year's Greeting Banners Damaged in Yeosu
Assemblyman Ju's Aide Booked Without Detention on December 29
Assemblyman Shin: "This Should Never Happen in Honam, Which Has Defended Democracy"
Shin Jeonghoon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference at 11 a.m. on the 8th in the Choi Room of the Jeonnam Provincial Council and officially announced his candidacy for the Jeonnam governor election to be held next year. Photo by Shim Jinseok
Regarding the incident in which a local aide to Assemblyman Ju Cheolhyeon (Yeosu-gap, Jeonnam) of the Democratic Party of Korea allegedly ordered the destruction of New Year's greeting banners belonging to Assemblyman Shin Jeonghoon (Naju and Hwasun, Jeonnam) of the same party, Assemblyman Shin has expressed strong regret and called on Assemblyman Ju to take "responsible action."
On December 30, through his Facebook page, Assemblyman Shin stated, "An incident that should never have happened has occurred in Honam, a region that has defended democracy in Korea. The suspect who damaged 25 of my banners in Yeosu with a sickle has been apprehended. He confessed that he was paid to do so by Assemblyman Ju's aide."
He continued, "It is truly unbelievable. There is no difference between this and Yoon Suk-yeol declaring martial law and ordering the arrest of politicians he dislikes simply because things are not going his way. Although Assemblyman Ju accepted the aide's resignation and expressed regret, this is not an issue that can end there."
He further criticized, "In the message Assemblyman Ju sent to the media, there was not a single word of regret addressed to party members and residents of Honam whose pride has been wounded. When I see his attitude of dismissing this incident-one involving his key aide-as merely a personal deviation, as if it were someone else's problem, it appears completely devoid of responsibility."
Assemblyman Shin added, "In fact, the destruction and unauthorized removal of banners in Yeosu is not a new problem. Moreover, it is said that the aide in question had previously been punished for violating election laws using banners two years ago. With such a turn-a-blind-eye attitude, there is no telling when he might return and repeat illegal acts."
He also pointed out, "This incident is not about the integration of the eastern and western regions of Jeonnam, but rather about sowing division. It is an attempt to incite conflict rather than fair competition between candidates of the same party. There should be no division between the eastern and western regions of Jeonnam. Especially at this critical juncture, when Jeonnam and Gwangju must prepare for a long journey toward integration, Assemblyman Ju must present a responsible response and express regret for this crime."
Finally, Assemblyman Shin urged, "I call on the police to conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether there were any higher-ups behind the aide or any additional criminal acts."
Meanwhile, the Yeosu Police in Jeonnam have booked the former aide to Assemblyman Ju without detention on December 29 on charges including special destruction of property, for allegedly ordering the destruction of 25 of Assemblyman Shin's New Year's greeting banners. It is reported that the aide has admitted to the crime during police questioning.
Both Assemblyman Ju and Assemblyman Shin have announced their candidacies for the Jeonnam governor position in next year's June 3 local elections.
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