Itaewon Controversial Remarks Lawmaker 'Expulsion'? Decision Lies with Changwon City Council

Ethics Committee Approves Disciplinary Report for Expulsion of Rep. Kim Mina

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Ethics Special Committee of Changwon City Council in Gyeongnam finalized the disciplinary proposal for Kim Mina, a member of the People Power Party in Changwon City Council, on the 17th.

Kim, who was embroiled in controversy for posting ‘inappropriate remarks’ on SNS regarding the Itaewon tragedy, officially apologized at the city council plenary session on December 13 but is facing calls for resignation from various sectors.

Earlier, on the 9th, the Ethics Review Advisory Committee of the city council conveyed to the special committee the opinion that a disciplinary action of ‘expulsion,’ which strips the member of their position, was necessary.

Kim Mina, a member of the Changwon City Council in Gyeongnam, is bowing her head in apology regarding a post related to the Itaewon tragedy in the city council plenary session.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

The Ethics Special Committee held its third meeting that day and conducted a secret ballot on the level of discipline for Kim, passing the disciplinary proposal to expel her.

The Ethics Special Committee, composed of four members from the People Power Party and four from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that it made this decision considering the recommendations from the Ethics Review Advisory Committee, which consists of civilian advisors.

Article 65 of the Local Autonomy Act stipulates that the Ethics Special Committee must respect the opinions given by the Ethics Review Advisory Committee regarding member discipline.

According to the special committee, the disciplinary report is scheduled to be submitted and finalized at the 2nd plenary session of the 1st extraordinary meeting of the 121st session, to be held on the 18th.

If more than half of the total members are present at the plenary session and two-thirds or more approve the agenda, the agenda takes effect immediately after the resolution.

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