"Strict Investigation Required for Misconduct by Close Aide of Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju"

Justice Party Gwangju Branch and Participation Autonomy 21 Issue Statement... Urge Mayor Lee to Apologize and Implement Recurrence Prevention Measures

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Political parties and civic groups have called for a thorough investigation regarding the search and seizure at Gwangju City Hall related to the misconduct of close aides to Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju Metropolitan City.

On the 7th, Participation and Autonomy 21 issued a press release urging a strict investigation into the misconduct case involving Mayor Lee Yong-seop’s executive secretary.

They stated, “Despite promises to prevent recurrence, we are seriously concerned about the ongoing corruption among the mayor’s close aides and the lax discipline within the public service,” adding, “It is questionable whether there was no quid pro quo, such as receiving a luxury car from a contractor, 5 million won in exchange for favors, or the provision of officetels.”

They continued, “Civil society has criticized cases where individuals lacking ability, qualifications, and ethics were appointed simply because they were close aides,” emphasizing, “This case is particularly serious as it occurred within the secretary team that has closely assisted the mayor.”

They also said, “The mayor bears significant responsibility for failing to properly oversee those who should act as his hands and feet but instead have abused their power and engaged in misconduct due to lax discipline,” and demanded, “He must bow his head in apology to the citizens regarding the misconduct of his close aides and present practical measures to prevent recurrence.”

The Gwangju branch of the Justice Party also called for an apology from the mayor in a statement released the same day.

They pointed out, “The mayor responded complacently by stating last week in a press release that he confirmed the related facts through media reports,” and criticized, “We express strong regret toward Gwangju City for failing to recognize the investigative authorities’ internal investigation and for its lukewarm response.”

Furthermore, they urged, “Despite the mayor’s repeated emphasis on ‘integrity,’ Gwangju City has embarrassed its citizens by receiving the lowest national rating for two consecutive years in the Public Institution Integrity Evaluation conducted by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission,” and called for “a comprehensive review of public institution work procedures, organizational culture, corruption, and misconduct, with immediate and strict action upon confirmation of any irregularities.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, the police executed a search warrant at Gwangju City Hall, sending investigators in connection with allegations of improper involvement in the interests of festivals hosted by the city, involving current and former secretaries of Mayor Lee Yong-seop.

They secured computers and related materials from the Life Agriculture Division and the Secretary’s Office.

Additionally, two individuals, including a company representative suspected of offering bribes to gain business favors, were also booked.

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