Heavy Rainfall: Guri Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun Attends Picnic and Offers Official Apology

Guri Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun, who faced criticism for attending a picnic during the severe damage caused by heavy rainfall, has ultimately bowed his head in apology.

On the 22nd, Mayor Baek stated in a press release, "The unprecedented heavy rain in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province has caused great anxiety among the citizens," and added, "I sincerely apologize for making a hasty decision to attend an external picnic organized by a local group in such circumstances."

He continued, "I caused deep disappointment and anger to the citizens who were feeling anxious and fearful, as well as to the frontline staff working hard in disaster response. I fully acknowledge my mistake and will accept any criticism with a heavy heart."

The controversy began when a video of Mayor Baek singing at a picnic organized by a civic organization in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, on the 20th was made public by the media. Criticism arose that he was not fulfilling his responsibilities as mayor during a disaster situation.

Initially, Mayor Baek explained that he had checked the damage situation until 11 a.m. on the day of the event and attended the picnic for only about 20 minutes at the request of the organization made up of Guri citizens, asserting that he did not consume alcohol. However, as public criticism did not subside, he ultimately issued an official apology.

On the same day, President Lee Jae-myung, during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office, remarked, "I hope there will be a strict crackdown on public officials who enjoy drinking and singing while the nation is in a dire situation where citizens are dying," seemingly pointing to Mayor Baek’s inappropriate conduct.

President Lee emphasized, "There are many public officials who work diligently. I hope that the best practices are maximized and measures are taken to set them as examples."

In his apology, Mayor Baek stated, "No event or promise can take precedence over the disaster situation," and promised, "I will be with the citizens in times of disaster response."

Image sources: Baek Kyung-hyun, Guri Mayor / Photo provided by Guri City, SBS '8 News', President Lee Jae-myung / News1