Changwon Civic Group: "Stop Provoking Administrative Confusion, Verify Facts First"

Demand for Resignation of Assembly Members Upon Conclusion of No Charges or Not Guilty Verdict

Following the 19th, another civic group on the 24th voiced criticism against the Democratic Party council members of Changwon City Council who raised suspicions of illegal political fund-raising by the Changwon Special Mayor and called for his resignation.

The Barun Value Practice Movement Headquarters and others held a press conference in front of Changwon City Council, stating, "Regarding certain media reports related to the Changwon mayoral election, urging the mayor's resignation and threatening second and third actions without fact-checking is a clear act of intimidation."

Citizens' groups including the Movement Headquarters for Practicing Right Values are holding a press conference demanding the Gyeongnam Changwon Special City Democratic Party city council members to stop raising suspicions and calling for resignation.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

They said, "If it is true that the Democratic Party council members who raised the suspicions reached conclusions solely based on media reports, it is reckless," and pointed out, "They should discuss whether it is fake news first, and if they consider there is sufficient evidence, then hold a press conference or issue a statement."

They raised their voices, saying, "Regardless of the severity of the content, verifying the truth comes first," and "If they do not intend to ruin Changwon through slander, political manipulation, and spreading fake news, they should apologize now."

The Barun Value Practice Movement Headquarters and others are handing over a pledge fulfillment confirmation and a questionnaire to the Democratic Party city council members of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam. Photo by Lee Seryeong

The group emphasized, "Neither the police nor the election commission has uncovered any facts regarding the current allegations," and added, "If these suspicions are concluded as not guilty or no charges, they must officially promise to take responsibility for urging resignation based on falsehoods and causing public confusion, and resign."

They then handed over a questionnaire and a commitment confirmation letter to the city council members covering five items: ▲ the timing and route of learning about the allegations ▲ verification of the truth of the allegations ▲ whether the entire Democratic Party city council members have verified the facts ▲ willingness to take responsibility such as resignation if found not guilty or no charges ▲ response plan if the report is proven false.

They said, "Put aside political strife for Changwon," and added, "If this fighting continues, citizens will see Changwon as a city they do not want to live in and want to escape from."

Earlier, on the 19th, the Democratic Party Changwon city council members held a press conference urging Mayor Hong Nampyo's resignation, swift progress in the trial related to election law violations, and prosecution investigation into suspicions of illegal political fund-raising and bribery.

The council members stated, "Since December last year, Mayor Hong has been on trial for election law violations related to candidate bribery, and Deputy Mayor Jo Myungrae is also facing allegations of interfering in the Changwon Sports Council election and receiving illegal political funds during the local elections."

They criticized, "Mayor Hong has taken no action despite the facts revealed so far, which warrant the immediate suspension of Deputy Mayor Jo," and said, "The two are part of a corrupt election cartel."

They also said, "As revelations of illegal political fund-raising by key internal associates during Mayor Hong's candidacy emerge, citizens' concerns are growing day by day," and demanded, "Mayor Hong must take responsibility for all the incidents and step down immediately."

They declared, "At this rate, Changwon's administration is at risk," and "If demands such as resignation are not accepted, we will make every effort to rectify the situation through second and third actions."

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