Kim Seong-su, the Mayor of Busan Haeundae-gu, at the center of controversy over derogatory remarks about the Yangyang area and women

Kim Seong-su, the Mayor of Busan Haeundae-gu, has come under fire for making derogatory comments about the Yangyang area in Gangwon Province and women. The Yangyang County Public Employees Union has strongly protested against his remarks.

On the morning of the 25th, the Yangyang County Public Employees Union issued a statement saying, "Yangyang is a beautiful coastal area of the Republic of Korea that is loved by many people," and expressed deep regret that "comments based on inappropriate perceptions of the region were made publicly."

The problematic remarks were made by the mayor during a meal with local journalists, including the statement that "Yangyang is a place to go for playing with fire, not surfing," and comments suggesting that "women who have gone on a working holiday in Australia should not be met."

Strong criticism and calls for an apology regarding the public official's remarks

The Yangyang County Union criticized the comments, stating, "The remarks are a clear act of regional belittlement and misogynistic behavior," and called it "an act that seriously undermines the duties and ethics expected of a public official."

Additionally, they pointed out that "this is not merely a personal slip of the tongue but, considering the authority and influence of a public official, reflects a distorted perception of the public," stressing that it is a very serious matter that undermines the credibility and fairness of the public service by objectifying and stigmatizing specific regions and women.

The union emphasized, "Public officials serve the entire nation, and they must always be mindful that their every word and action can cause social repercussions," demanding that this issue not end merely with an explanation but that a sincere apology must be made.

Choi Jae-min, a member of the National Assembly from the ruling People Power Party in Gangwon Province, also issued a statement saying, "It is very regrettable that comments were made belittling specific regions and young women, which goes against common sense and ethics," urging Mayor Kim to immediately offer a formal apology to the residents of Yangyang County, the citizens of Gangwon Province, and young women of the Republic of Korea.

Apology from Kim Seong-su and response from Yangyang County

As criticism intensified, Mayor Kim issued a statement of apology the same day.

"I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been concerned about my remarks reported in the media recently," he stated, bowing his head.

Mayor Kim explained the situation at the time, saying, "It was a casual lunch with the journalists," and that he conveyed his determination to do his best to maintain Haeundae and Songjeong beaches as pleasant and safe vacation spots while discussing local issues.

He added, "I had no intention to belittle or demean the region or women at all. The atmosphere and context of the conversation were not conveyed properly, and only certain expressions were reported, which misrepresented the circumstances and intent of my remarks. I apologize once again to everyone who felt upset," further stating, "As a public official, I will be more careful with my words and actions in the future to avoid any potential misunderstandings."

Meanwhile, Yangyang County has already expressed a strong stance on legal action against those disseminating false posts that damage the region's image.

Online, articles depicting the county negatively, such as "girlfriend's review after enjoying a night in Yangyang" and "avoid Yangyang," are spreading, causing significant harm to the local tourism industry.

Yangyang County has stated that it will file criminal complaints for defamation and obstruction of business against those who spread such false posts and will strengthen online monitoring to prevent recurrence.

Image source: Kim Seong-su, Mayor of Busan Haeundae-gu / Busan Haeundae-gu, a banner refuting malicious public opinion was hung at Ingu Beach in Gangwon Yangyang County's Hyun Nam-myeon on the 22nd / News1, summer night view of Ingu Beach in Yangyang County, known as 'Seosikwon' and 'MZ sacred place' / News1