The controversy over the 'luxurious drinking party' of the Gyeongbuk council members from the People Power Party, with the council clarifying, "It's different from the facts."

The Gyeongbuk council members affiliated with the People Power Party expressed regret over reports from some media that they held a 'luxurious drinking party' at a resort while recovery efforts from rain damage were ongoing.

On the 28th, the Gyeongbuk chapter of the Democratic Party issued a statement demanding a detailed explanation from the council and an apology to the residents, stating, "In a situation where the whole nation is focusing all efforts on disaster recovery, the People Power Party council members displayed behavior that is disconnected from public sentiment."

On the same day, one media outlet reported an article titled, "While residents in Gyeongbuk are doing volunteer work for flood damage… the People Power Party Gyeongbuk council held a drunken party for two days and one night."

The article stated that approximately 50 council members from the People Power Party held a workshop at a luxurious resort in Yeongdeok, enjoying a banquet accompanied by expensive accommodations and liquor.

In response, the Gyeongbuk council of the People Power Party issued an immediate rebuttal. The council explained, "The general assembly is an official event held regularly every year, planned several months in advance, and the location was chosen to aid the recovery of the wildfire-affected areas in Yeongdeok."

Additionally, they clarified, "The evening banquet was conducted simply, with only a small amount of selective liquor served without any toasts."

The council particularly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the term 'drinking party,' stating, "This is sensational and not true."

Furthermore, they emphasized, "The council members participated in disaster recovery activities individually in various areas such as Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Goryeong after the event."

Son Hee-gwon, the floor spokesperson for the Gyeongbuk council of the People Power Party, stated, "This report is very regrettable as it undermines the council's public responsibility and efforts based on unverified claims."

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that more than 50 Gyeongbuk council members from the People Power Party participated in a workshop that included financial reports, discussions on current issues, special lectures, and a banquet over a two-day, one-night schedule in Yeongdeok starting from the afternoon of the 24th.

Image source: instagram 'namjinbok', reference photos for article understanding / News1