Controversy Over Hwang Kyo-ik's Qualifications... Lee Jae-myung Camp States "Main Purpose of Trip Is Food"

Food Columnist Hwang Kyo-ik Appointed as President of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

Taste columnist Hwang Kyo-ik. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Recently, taste columnist Hwang Gyo-ik was appointed as the president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, sparking controversy. On the 16th, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated that "as people age, the main purpose of travel is mostly eating," expressing that there is no problem with the appointment.

Hyun Geun-taek, spokesperson for Governor Lee's camp, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that day and said, "We go to Chuncheon for Dakgalbi and to Hoengseong for Hanwoo beef, and when we get there, we seriously consider which restaurant to enter."

He added, "I believe expertise is important," and said, "Whether a taste columnist has expertise or not is crucial, but isn't more than half of travel about eating?"

Regarding suspicions that the hiring conditions were changed to select Mr. Hwang as president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, the spokesperson rebutted, "Currently, the understanding of tourism and qualifications have shifted somewhat to the humanities. The qualifications were changed in December 2018. It was not changed this time. If it had been changed this time, it would mean the regulations were altered to appoint this person, which would be problematic, but that is not the case."

He also said, "Mr. Hwang planned the North-South Korea summit banquet during the last Pyeongchang Olympics," adding, "He is considered to have expertise in such fields."

Earlier, the spokesperson also wrote on his Facebook page, "There are many introductions to good restaurants, but most are advertisements. Often, it is unclear whom to ask or where to look. Finding a good restaurant is not easy. At times like this, it would be nice if someone could say a word. If you go based on a taste column, there is no need to hesitate."

Meanwhile, recently, Gyeonggi Province appointed Mr. Hwang as the new president candidate of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, which had been vacant since December last year, causing controversy. There are suspicions that Mr. Hwang lacks expertise in the tourism field and that the appointment is a favor because he defended Governor Lee's 'brother-in-law curse controversy.'

However, Gyeonggi Province explained the background of the appointment as "a decision based on expertise and other factors." The final decision on Mr. Hwang's appointment will be made through a personnel hearing scheduled at the provincial council on the 30th.

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