Changwon City Council Democratic Party Demands Second Deputy Mayor Inspection from Mayor Hong

Explanation and Apology Regarding the Circumstances of Two Search and Seizure Operations

The Democratic Party council members of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, once again demanded an official inspection of the duties of Jo Myeong-rae, the 2nd Deputy Mayor of Changwon Special City, from Mayor Hong Nam-pyo.

On the 30th, the Democratic Party council members held a press conference at the city hall press room, urging Mayor Hong to apologize and explain the circumstances regarding the recent search and seizure conducted at Changwon City Hall.

"The two search and seizure operations conducted twice during the short tenure, including the one related to the Public Official Election Act last November, have tarnished the pride of Changwon citizens and public officials," they said. "Since this recent search and seizure is related to Jo Myeong-rae, the 2nd Deputy Mayor directly appointed by Mayor Hong, and Lee Ho-guk, Chairman of Changwon Leisure Sports Park, Mayor Hong must clearly explain the related circumstances and apologize."

The Democratic Party members of the Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongnam are urging Mayor Hong Nam-pyo to apologize for the search and seizure at Changwon City Hall.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

The council members also demanded the suspension and official inspection of Deputy Mayor Jo's duties.

They stated, "We requested an official inspection of Deputy Mayor Jo's duties last July, but it was ignored. Due to Deputy Mayor Jo, the city hall was subjected to a search and seizure, and with the ongoing investigation by judicial authorities, it has become difficult for him to perform his duties as Deputy Mayor normally."

They continued, "If Mayor Hong is not in a special relationship sharing interests with Deputy Mayor Jo, he must make a decision for the sake of Changwon City. Before the situation escalates further, Deputy Mayor Jo should be suspended from his position and a thorough official inspection should be conducted to ascertain the truth."

Regarding the ongoing trial related to allegations of violating the Public Official Election Act, they urged, "Mayor Hong should not delay the trial dates and cooperate with the trial," and "The court should promptly deliver its verdict."

Statement from Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon City, Gyeongnam. [Provided by Changwon Special City Hall]

A Changwon City official stated, "The trial dates were changed due to the trial schedule, and there was no intentional request to postpone the trial. We requested a schedule adjustment once because of a planned business trip to Poland next week, and the court accepted this request, which is the only instance."

Mayor Hong, in a statement, rebutted, "As I have stated several times, during the last election period, I was not involved at all in the fundraising or expenditure of election costs. Fundraising was conducted legally within the framework of the law through an official support committee, and even the subsequent expenditures were strictly verified by the Election Commission, from which we received confirmation."

Earlier, the prosecution conducted a search and seizure recently while investigating allegations that several hundred million won of illegal political funds were raised ahead of last year's local elections. The investigation involved Mayor Hong, Deputy Mayor Jo, Lee Ho-guk, Chairman of Changwon Leisure Sports Park, and associates from Mayor Hong's election campaign during the local elections.

The search and seizure took place on the 25th at the Changwon Mayor's office, the 2nd Deputy Mayor's office, and the Changwon City Personnel Department, and on the 28th at the office, residence, and vehicle of the Chairman of Changwon Leisure Sports Park.

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