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

A direct conflict erupted among council members over allegations of conflict of interest surrounding a specific member at the Bupyeong District Council's temporary session.

During the first plenary session of the 274th Bupyeong District Council (temporary session) held on the 26th, a debate continued in the plenary hall regarding the conflict of interest allegations surrounding Council Member Heo Jeong-mi (Democratic Party, Bugae 2-3-dong, Samsan 2-dong).

On this day, Council Member Jung Han-sol (Independent, Sangok 1-2-dong, Cheongcheon 1-2-dong) mentioned recent media reports related to Council Member Heo, claiming that an official clarification of the facts at the council level is necessary regarding the allegations of tax salary receipt by Heo's former spouse and the controversy over preferential treatment in negotiated contracts. Jung also raised the need for a comprehensive investigation into negotiated contracts by the executive branch along with the convening of the Ethics Committee.

In response, Council Member 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. She also expressed suspicion that it appears to be a political attack aimed at her, stating that she will take legal action for defamation based on false facts and the dissemination of false information.

Jung stated, "In order for the council to maintain trust as a representative body of the residents, strict and objective standards must be applied," 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 stated, "The case of a non-profit newspaper company winning a contract for the supply of a dust collection facility, which requires expertise, raises questions regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of the administration," and called for a thorough post-audit.

Some pointed out that since Council Member 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 the matter was appropriate in light of the 「Conflict of Interest Prevention Act」 and the code of conduct for local council members.

Due to this controversy, the 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.