Kim Tae-young, a First-Term Councilor, Elected as Chairman of Gwangju Seo-gu Council

Park Young-sook Appointed as Vice Speaker

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] After much difficulty, the 'chairperson' who will lead the second half of the 8th Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council has been elected.

According to the Seo-gu Council of Gwangju on the 2nd, Kim Taeyoung was elected as chairperson at the 286th extraordinary session held that day.

Kim Taeyoung, Oh Gwanggyo (Democratic Party), and Kim Oksu (Minsheng Party) competed, with Kim Taeyoung receiving 6 votes, Oh Gwanggyo 5 votes, and Kim Oksu 2 votes; however, since no candidate received a majority out of the 13 members present, a runoff vote was held between the top two.

As a result of the runoff, Kim Taeyoung received 8 votes and Oh Gwanggyo 5 votes, and Kim Taeyoung was finally elected as chairperson.

Although the Democratic Party secured the chairperson position of the Seo-gu Council, it is uncertain whether this will continue.

Kim Taeyoung was selected as the Democratic Party candidate according to the party's stance, but he opposed this and registered as an additional candidate, leading to his referral to the Gwangju City Party Ethics Committee.

A party official explained that Kim’s actions are considered a ‘relevant act’ and could lead to the heaviest disciplinary action, including ‘expulsion.’

If Kim is expelled from the Democratic Party, the 8th Seo-gu Council will follow a path similar to that during the first half under Chairperson Kang Giseok.

Chairperson Kim Taeyoung said, “I believe that the basic council is a representative of the residents,” and added, “I will serve the remaining two years solely thinking of the residents.”

Meanwhile, Park Youngsook (Democratic Party) was elected as the vice-chairperson for the second half of the Seo-gu Council.

Vice-chairperson Park stated, “I will listen carefully to the valuable opinions of senior and fellow council members and contribute to creating a council that is respected and loved.”

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