"The Truth Will Inevitably Come Out"...Kwon Kichang Stresses Responsible Governance

Full Denial of Allegations, Calls for Swift Investigation
"Citizens' Lives and Municipal Governance Will Not Come to a Halt"

The Mayor of Andong has flatly denied the allegations surrounding him of orchestrating criminal complaints and receiving illegal funds, stating that he intends to resolve the controversy through a swift decision by the judicial authorities. In doing so, he made it clear that he aims to block the spread of political strife and secure administrative stability.

Kwon Kichang, mayor of Andong, flatly denies allegations of involvement in illegal funding and in filing complaints: "The investigation must clearly determine the truth and end citizens' confusion."

On the 12th, Mayor Kwon held a press conference in the briefing room at City Hall and said, "I have never received any improper funds, and I have never asked anyone to file a complaint or hold a rally." He went on to stress, "There must be no situation in which the trust in the municipal administration is shaken by claims that are not based on facts."

He repeatedly called for a determination to be made through an investigation. Mayor Kwon said, "If a fair and swift investigation clarifies what is true and what is not, the citizens will fully understand," adding, "The clearest way to end unproductive disputes is through objective results."

Regarding the allegation of influence peddling in personnel appointments, he explained, "There was no promise of any special favors," and "Personnel decisions have been made in accordance with established standards and procedures."

In response to the claim that he received clothing from a whistleblower, he cautioned against overinterpretation, saying, "It was merely something that happened in a personal relationship, and there were no conditions or compensation involved."

Concerning the released audio recordings, he said, "I am sorry for having reacted emotionally in the process," but drew a line by adding, "This is not an issue that is directly connected to the substance of the allegations."

As for how he will respond going forward, he stated, "I will respond calmly, in accordance with the law and principles, to any false claims."

Mayor Kwon concluded by saying, "Political conflict must not be allowed to bring municipal administration to a halt," and "I will steadfastly fulfill my responsibility to protect citizens' daily lives and the future of the region."

The more allegations and explanations are repeated, the greater the fatigue the local community is forced to endure. While the driving force of the administration is being depleted, the damage is passed on in full to the citizens. In the end, there is only one answer: to swiftly determine the facts through an investigation, and for everyone to accept the outcome responsibly. This controversy once again serves as a reminder that the stability of the city and the lives of its residents must come before political interpretations.