Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Strongly Criticizes Election Commission's Stance Calling 'Hiring Relatives a Tradition'

Posted on Facebook About the Need for Political Reform
Also Mentions Essential Qualities Political Leaders Must Have
"Those Driven Solely by Presidential Ambition Will Only Ruin the Nation and Society"

Shin Sang-jin, mayor of Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, strongly criticized the Election Commission's stance that 'hiring relatives is a tradition' through a post on his Facebook account on the 5th.

Facebook capture of Shin Sang-jin, Mayor of Seongnam, Gyeonggi.

Mayor Shin stated, "Looking at the current state of constitutional institutions that form the foundation of the nation's laws, systems, and enforcement?such as the National Assembly, Constitutional Court, Election Commission, and the executive branch?many citizens must be feeling that the foundation of the country is in complete disarray," emphasizing the need for political reform.

He added, "A complete overhaul reform is necessary, but I even have doubts about whether reform alone will suffice. It seems difficult for the political sphere to be the main agent of reform at this point," and criticized, "It would be ideal if reform came from the people, but for that to happen, there must be leaders who embody the aspirations of the era. Currently, only petty politicians showing their selfish ambitions receive media attention, and the reality is lamentable as the focus is merely on who will seize power, driven by superficial interest."

He also mentioned essential qualities that political leaders should possess. Mayor Shin specifically outlined that leaders should be people who love and sacrifice for the people more than their own lives, not seeking personal advancement or glory; those with the experience and ability to solve political problems with wisdom and courage; those who aim for the unity of the majority of the people rather than division and factional logic; and those who are steadfast in the ideology of liberal democracy amid the North-South confrontation.

He warned, "Those who lack these qualities and pursue power solely out of ambition for the presidency will not only ruin the nation and society but also bring ruin to themselves, their families, and those around them," strongly condemning the current state of the political sphere.

Mayor Shin expressed regret, saying, "While the people are maturing, political leaders and those in power are losing principles and becoming increasingly vulgar by following only their interests," and added, "Although there are problems with bad media-related systems, the lack of proper journalism makes it difficult to prevent politics from declining to a lower standard."

However, Mayor Shin did not lose hope for reform, stating, "There is still hope, just as there was the shepherd boy David," holding on to the thread of hope for change.

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