Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju 'National Mourning Period' Overseas Workshop... Unfocused Public Officials

Gwangsan District Mayor Park Byung-gyu Holds Emergency Meeting on Itaewon Disaster, Then Forces Residents' Autonomy Department Workshop Next Day

Spending 30 Million Won Budget to Travel to Danyang, Chungbuk... District Apologizes, "We Will Deeply R

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Four days after the Itaewon disaster that resulted in 156 deaths, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is facing criticism for going on an overseas-style workshop trip.

In particular, criticism has arisen that public service discipline has collapsed as the workshop was carried out despite the cancellation or postponement of various festivals and events to create a mourning atmosphere during the national mourning period.

According to Gwangsan-gu on the 2nd, six public officials from the district's Resident Autonomy Division and about 80 resident autonomy committee members left for a 1-night, 2-day workshop in Danyang, Chungbuk the day before.

The workshop was reportedly promoted to share Gwangsan-gu's vision and to encourage and boost the morale of resident autonomy committee members who realize local autonomy.

About 30 million won worth of budget was used for the workshop, and the itinerary included cave exploration, a cruise experience, and a tourist monorail, leading to criticism that it was an overseas-style workshop.

Gwangsan-gu could not avoid criticism of lax public service discipline as it pushed ahead with the workshop during the national mourning period set until the 5th.

Im Hanpil, senior representative of the Gwangsan Citizens' Coalition, said, "Many events such as the opening ceremony of the archery experience center held in the district and the social economy promotional picnic classic autumn night concert were canceled or postponed," adding, "The day after an emergency meeting presided over by the Gwangsan-gu mayor was held, the resident autonomy committee members and responsible public officials, who should set an example in resident autonomy, blatantly went on an ‘overseas-style workshop,’ which is a typical case of lax public service discipline, and Gwangsan-gu needs to conduct an audit and disciplinary action regarding this."

In response to the situation, Gwangsan-gu issued a statement saying, "We fully accept the criticism that the workshop held during the national mourning period was inappropriate," and "Although most events were canceled during the national mourning period, we failed to pay close enough attention. We sincerely apologize to the citizens who are feeling great sorrow and loss due to the Itaewon disaster for causing concern."

It added, "We will deeply reflect and introspect to ensure that such an incident does not happen again."

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