‘Gapjil Controversy’ Gwangsan-gu Council Member Appeals Expulsion... Considering Legal Action

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[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Jo Sang-hyun, an independent member of the Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju Metropolitan City, who lost his council seat on the 23rd amid a controversy over abuse of power against public officials, has announced a strong response regarding his expulsion from the council.

On the same day, Jo issued a statement saying, “The Gwangsan District Council’s decision to expel me is a blatant act against the law and order,” and “I will definitely hold accountable those who nullified the council’s executive oversight function while refuting the reasons for my expulsion,” hinting at legal action. He expressed his intention to contest the expulsion by the Gwangsan District Council.

The Gwangsan District Council held a vote on the expulsion proposal during the plenary session held that morning, and it was passed with all 16 members present voting in favor, excluding Jo among the 17 total members.

It is known that fellow council members considered Jo’s repeated disciplinary actions due to previous abuse of power controversies.

Jo expressed regret over the vote, saying, “I feel sorry for my fellow council members who made the extreme choice of expulsion without substantial proof against the baseless suspicions and misunderstandings raised about my legislative activities,” and “I will prove the truth and return to my rightful place.”

Regarding the abuse of power allegations revealed in a survey by the National Public Officials Union Gwangju Headquarters, Jo began by saying, “I sincerely apologize to some Gwangsan District public officials who may have felt discomfort during my legislative activities,” but countered, “Before judging others, I hope they place their hands on their conscience and reflect on themselves.”

He then turned his criticism toward the Gwangsan District public officials, saying, “I want to ask them whether they have not pushed a party member to the edge as a sacrificial victim to cover up their own mistakes.”

Jo has been embroiled in abuse of power controversies since his first term when he entered the Gwangsan District Council in 2014. Some public officials even submitted a petition to the chairman of the Gwangsan District Council.

After winning re-election, related noise did not cease, and eventually, in March last year, the Democratic Party Gwangju City Branch expelled Jo.

Jo stated, “This decision by the Gwangsan District Council contains many problems,” and “I will return and contribute to Gwangsan District.”

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