Moon In, Buk-gu Gwangju Mayor, Withdraws Resignation After Announcement... Local Political Circles React with Backlash

Resignation Submitted to Run for Mayor Withdrawn Just Before Deadline
Local Political Figures Planning to Run Criticize "Undermining Trust in Public Administration"

Moon In, Mayor of Buk-gu, Gwangju, withdrew his previously announced resignation just hours before the deadline, citing his intention to run for Gwangju Metropolitan Mayor. This move has sparked strong backlash within the local political community. Those preparing to run for Buk-gu Mayor are especially critical, calling it a "decision that undermines trust in public administration."

Moon Sangpil, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council on the 8th, stating, "Withdrawing the resignation under the pretext of city-province integration is a deception against the residents of Buk-gu and the administration," and added, "Such choices that further erode public trust must not be repeated."

Moon Sangpil, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference on the morning of the 8th at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council to express his position regarding the withdrawal of the resignation of Moon In, Mayor of Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

Moon Sangpil further remarked, "Mayor Moon In, whose mind was already set on Gwangju City Hall as he prepared to run for mayor, suddenly withdrew his resignation citing city-province integration. I must question whether it is in line with the basic etiquette and responsibility of a public official for someone who intended to leave Buk-gu to run for mayor to now turn back to the residents."

He also criticized, "Mayor Moon submitted his resignation letter specifying 'January 8' to the Buk-gu Council at the end of last month, and the council officially accepted it. To overturn an administrative procedure that has already been completed is to break promises made to the political party, the council, and the 420,000 residents of Buk-gu."

Jung Dalsung, a member of the Buk-gu Council, also released a statement, pointing out, "This withdrawal of resignation is not simply a change of mind, but a matter of responsibility and trust." He added, "Mayor Moon publicly announced his resignation on the premise of running for Gwangju Mayor, and both residents and the administration have endured under that premise. Withdrawing his resignation just hours before the deadline reveals how he perceives his promises to the residents."

Jung Daeun, a Gwangju Metropolitan Council member who also plans to run for Buk-gu Mayor, posted on social media, "The words and actions of the chief administrator must carry more weight than gold," and criticized, "They must not be as light as a feather."

Moonin, Mayor of Buk-gu, Gwangju.

Previously, on December 30, Mayor Moon submitted his resignation letter to the Buk-gu Council, specifying 'January 8' as his resignation date. However, at around 7:30 p.m. the day before the deadline, he released a statement announcing the withdrawal of his resignation. Article 111 of the Local Autonomy Act requires the head of a local government to submit a resignation notice specifying the resignation date to the chairperson of the local council, but there are no explicit provisions regarding withdrawal. The Buk-gu Council has begun a legal review to determine whether a resignation notice that has already been accepted can be withdrawn.

Public officials wishing to run in the 9th nationwide local elections, scheduled for June 3, must resign by March 5, which is 90 days before election day.

In his statement, Mayor Moon said, "As the crisis of local extinction becomes a reality, Gwangju and Jeonnam stand at a critical historical turning point with city-province integration. To contribute to the successful promotion of this integration, I have decided to withdraw my previous resignation and focus on administrative integration for the time being."

Regarding this, a representative from Mayor Moon's office explained, "He has not given up on running for Gwangju Mayor. With discussions on administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam rapidly progressing, he adjusted the timing of his resignation to wait and see the outcome of the luncheon scheduled for the 9th between President Lee Jaemyung and local National Assembly members at the presidential office."