Kim Hyun-mi Responds to Citizens Protesting "Ilsan Is Ruined" with "The Local Water Has Gotten Worse"

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mi / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Heo Midam] Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mi is facing controversy for making inappropriate remarks to residents of her constituency.

On the 12th, Minister Kim attended the 'New Year's and Farewell Party' event held at the main auditorium of Ilsanseo-gu Office in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do.

While greeting local residents, when a citizen protested saying, "Goyang-si has been ruined," she responded, "It hasn't been ruined. Please don't worry."

However, as the resident's protest continued, Minister Kim smiled and replied, "The neighborhood's water quality has gotten much worse, hasn't it?"

At the time, Minister Kim was taking photos with local supporters. But as some residents continued protesting, demanding the withdrawal of the Changneung 3rd New Town project, Minister Kim appeared to express discomfort regarding the situation.

Meanwhile, Minister Kim announced on the 3rd that she would not run in the 21st general election. At that time, she said, "Your support made me a minister and a three-term lawmaker," and "I sincerely thank the residents of Ilsan Seo-gu."

She added, "Wherever I am, I will always be connected with the beloved residents of Ilsan Seo-gu, and I will be with you."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.