County Governor Sangcheol Lee Feels Deep Apology to Gokseong Residents

Fine of 2 Million Won and Disqualification from Election in Appeal Trial

Great Support and Encouragement from Residents, Will Do Our Best for Residents' Happiness

Lee Sang-cheol, the former governor of Gokseong County, Jeollanam-do, expressed his deep regret on the 22nd for causing concern to the residents of Gokseong who have given him support and encouragement after receiving a sentence that invalidated his election in the appellate court.

Since taking office as the 8th elected governor of Gokseong, Governor Lee has prioritized "citizen happiness" as the highest value and has been working tirelessly on the ground with the residents to create a "new and vibrant Gokseong" where citizens are happier.

Sangcheol Lee, Gokseong County Governor
Photo by Gokseong County

In this situation, when he was sentenced to invalidate his election in the appellate court on the 18th, Governor Lee first felt sorry, worrying whether he might break his promises to the residents or whether the future administration of Gokseong would be adversely affected. He said that Gokseong County and its residents kept flashing before his eyes.

Governor Lee said, "Immediately after the appellate court ruling, I gained great strength from the sincere consolation and support sent by many residents and hometown friends. Encouraged by many to take responsibility and do my best until the end for a happy Gokseong and citizen happiness, I decided to appeal to the Supreme Court." He expressed his apologies and gratitude to the residents and hometown friends of Gokseong and explained the reason for ultimately deciding to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Governor Lee had previously expressed his personal intention to give up the Supreme Court appeal, feeling sorry for the residents and considering smooth administration immediately after the appellate court ruling. However, he said that he has been deeply contemplating his future stance for several days due to the flood of petitions from many residents asking him to reconsider the Supreme Court appeal.

On the 22nd, Governor Lee issued a "Statement Regarding the Withdrawal of Appeal" and finally declared his position to appeal the appellate court's election invalidation sentence to the Supreme Court to restore the honor of Gokseong County and its residents.

The residents of Gokseong are also unable to hide their bewilderment over the appellate court ruling. The majority of residents expressed the opinion that "Governor Lee's actions were done after the election as a gesture of encouragement to election officials and did not influence the Gokseong governor election, so sentencing him to invalidate the election is too harsh."

Unlike the first trial, which ruled that he did not obstruct a fair election, the appellate court's election invalidation sentence is considered excessive, and the consensus among Gokseong residents is that "he must appeal and receive the Supreme Court's judgment."

In June 2022, after being elected governor of Gokseong, Governor Lee was fined 900,000 won in the first trial for violating the Public Official Election Act by providing meals to campaign workers, allowing him to maintain his position. However, on January 18, the Gwangju High Court appellate panel sentenced him to a 2 million won fine, invalidating his election.

Gokseong = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jong-seon hss79@asiae.co.kr

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