Conflict Among Councillors Over Conflict of Interest Allegations at Bupyeong District Council's Temporary Session

A direct confrontation occurred among councillors regarding conflict of interest allegations surrounding a specific councillor in the main assembly hall of Bupyeong District Council's temporary session.

On the 26th, during the first plenary session of the 274th Bupyeong District Council (temporary session), a debate ensued in the assembly hall over conflict of interest allegations concerning Councillor Heo Jeong-mi (Democratic Party, Bugae 2-3-dong, Samsan 2-dong).

During the 5-minute free speech, Councillor Jung Han-sol (Independent, Sangok 1-2-dong, Cheongcheon 1-2-dong) mentioned recent media reports related to Councillor Heo, asserting the need for an official clarification of facts at the council level regarding allegations of tax salary receipt by Heo's former spouse and the controversy over preferential treatment in negotiated contracts. Councillor Jung also raised the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into negotiated contracts by the executive branch alongside the convening of the Ethics Committee.

In response, Councillor Heo immediately refuted the claims through a personal statement. She stated that she has filed a complaint with the Incheon Samsan Police Station against the media outlet that reported the allegations, asserting that the report is not true. Furthermore, she expressed suspicion that "this is a political attack aimed at me" and announced her intention to take legal action for defamation based on false facts and the dissemination of false information.

Councillor Jung stated, "To maintain trust as a representative body of the residents, the council must apply strict and objective standards" and emphasized the need to clarify the substance of the allegations through the Ethics Committee, as well as a re-examination of the contract for the dust collection facility in the urban regeneration department and the overall management of traditional market managers in the economic support department. He further demanded a thorough post-audit, questioning the appropriateness and effectiveness of the administration regarding the case where a non-profit newspaper company won a contract for the supply of a dust collection facility requiring expertise.

Some pointed out that since Councillor Heo serves as the chair of the Urban Environment Committee, which oversees the Urban Regeneration and Economic Support Departments, it is necessary to examine whether this matter was appropriate in light of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act and the Code of Conduct for Local Council Members.

As a result of this controversy, Bupyeong District Council has been embroiled in conflicts surrounding ethical issues since the first temporary session of the new year. The aftermath is expected to continue depending on whether the matter is referred to the Ethics Committee and the results of audits and investigations by the executive branch.