Ethics Committee with Yeo Begins Review on Hong Jun-pyo's Disciplinary Action... "Hong Needs to Show More Sincerity"

Deleted SNS Posts Following Previous Day's Apology
Submission of Opinion Letters and Emergency Duty Status Reports
Yang Soo Lee: "Reflecting the Party's Serious Atmosphere"

The Ethics Committee of the People Power Party's central organization has begun discussions on whether to initiate disciplinary procedures against Hong Jun-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, who sparked controversy over his 'flood golf' incident.

Kim Ki-yoon, a lawyer and member of the Ethics Committee, told reporters at the party headquarters on the 20th before the Ethics Committee meeting, "The public likely feels that (Mayor Hong's apology) is insufficient," adding, "Therefore, I believe there will be actions showing more sincerity beyond just writing an apology statement."

Kim explained, "For example, if he visits flood-affected sites to comfort families or participates in volunteer activities at the flood sites, showing genuine sincerity, it could help mitigate the situation. Being referred to the Ethics Committee itself means there is a disciplinary reason, but if he shows remorse and reflection to the public, that will be reflected in the mitigation of the penalty."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although Mayor Hong has shown signs of remorse belatedly, there is growing support within the party for severe disciplinary action. Lee Yang-su, the party's senior deputy floor leader, said on SBS Radio that day, "The atmosphere among the Ethics Committee members is quite stern," and added, "Since many citizens are paying attention to this issue, the party is expected to produce a disciplinary result that reflects an appropriate and serious atmosphere."

Earlier, controversy arose when it was revealed that Mayor Hong went to play golf at a golf course in Daegu last weekend, during which heavy rains caused widespread damage nationwide. He faced greater criticism after responding as if there was no problem with his actions. Within the party, the case of former lawmaker Hong Moon-jong, who was expelled after playing golf during floods in 2006, was also mentioned.

Conscious of public opinion, Mayor Hong held a press conference a day before the Ethics Committee meeting, bowing his head and saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the citizens and party members who were hurt by the flood damage."

Before the Ethics Committee meeting, he also voluntarily deleted two controversial SNS posts from the 17th. These posts included statements defending that there were no casualties in Daegu when he played golf, telling critics not to engage in "anachronistic commoner cosplay," and asserting that "public officials have freedom on weekends."

It is also understood that Mayor Hong submitted an apology letter, a statement of opinion, and an emergency duty status report to the Ethics Committee. This was intended to demonstrate sincerity by submitting explanatory materials before the decision to initiate disciplinary procedures. However, the party leadership and the Ethics Committee believe that this alone will not be enough to avoid disciplinary action.

Even if Mayor Hong receives a suspension of party membership rights, it will not significantly restrict his administrative activities as an elected local government head. However, it is expected to be difficult for him to hold party-government consultations and similar meetings.

There are also opinions that severe disciplinary action is excessive. On the same day, lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung said on CBS Radio, "Times have changed a lot, and can playing golf itself be a problem? The issue was the explanation process," adding, "I hope it ends with a verbal warning."

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