Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop's Current and Former Secretaries Booked for Violating the 'Kim Young-ran Act'

Suspicion of Conflict of Interest and Bribery in City-Hosted Event

Mayor Lee Explains, "First Time Hearing This Through Media Reports"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Former and current secretaries to Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, have been booked by the police on charges including bribery.

According to the Gwangju Western Police Station on the 2nd, the former driver and secretary of Mayor Lee, who were booked on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (commonly known as the Kim Young-ran Act), are being investigated as suspects.

Two civilians, including a company representative who handed over money and gifts requesting business favors, are also under investigation for the same charges.

They are accused of exchanging luxury cars and other items in connection with events hosted by Gwangju City.

It is also reported that cash was exchanged.

In response, Mayor Lee issued a statement, bowed his head, and drew a line by saying it was the first time he had heard of the matter.

Mayor Lee said, “I also first learned of these details through media reports,” and “regardless of the reasons, I feel very sorry that people working as my secretaries are facing such allegations.”

He added, “The former driver submitted his resignation in April due to a personal lawsuit and is currently dismissed by authority,” and “the current secretary has been placed on standby leave and excluded from duties until the facts are confirmed. If even a minor misconduct is revealed, strict measures will be taken.”

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