Governor Kim Dong-yeon Apologizes for Deputy Governor's Resignation... "Provincial Council Must Stop Disruptions Holding Residents' Lives Hostage"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon apologized to the residents regarding the resignation of Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Kim Yong-jin and stated that he will promptly complete the appointment of a successor deputy governor. He also urged for a swift normalization of the provincial council, which caused this situation due to its deadlock, so that active efforts can be made to resolve livelihood issues.

On the 1st, Governor Kim posted a statement titled "Position on the Resignation of the Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs" on Facebook, saying, "I respect Deputy Governor Kim Yong-jin’s decision to resign and accept his resignation."

He added, "I regret that despite efforts to normalize the provincial council, it ended with this conclusion," and "I apologize to the residents as the appointing authority."

Furthermore, he promised, "I will promptly complete the appointment of the successor deputy governor and immediately proceed with subsequent personnel appointments at the department head level following the appointments of bureau chiefs and deputy heads," and "I will do my best to stabilize the provincial administration."

He also indirectly criticized the recent shutdown of the provincial council by saying, "Currently, livelihoods are difficult and the economy is heading toward a crisis. What residents want in these times is not political strife but to work together to solve problems."

Governor Kim particularly questioned, "How long will such expectations be ignored?" and pointed out, "The deadlock of the provincial council, which holds residents’ lives hostage by delaying the supplementary budget approval, must stop now."

He added, "We will continue efforts for cooperation, but will uphold principles and standards in the process," and promised, "The provincial government and I will no longer ignore the suffering residents, and will do our best to ensure that necessary policies are implemented in a timely manner."

Earlier, Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Kim Yong-jin resigned on the 31st of last month, taking responsibility for a 'drinking party controversy.' On the 27th of last month, the day before his inauguration, Kim had dinner with the representatives of both ruling and opposition parties of the provincial council, during which he reportedly engaged in an unpleasant act by striking the table with a spoon amid a heated argument over a specific issue.

Deputy Governor Kim immediately apologized to Kwak Mi-sook, the People Power Party representative who was present at the time, but Representative Kwak did not accept the apology and filed a police complaint on the 28th of last month on charges of 'special assault and special intimidation.'

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