Kim Sang-uk dismisses conservative group's press conference as 'reckless stunt' by People Power Party

Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-uk delivers opening remarks at the 61st general assembly of the Governors Association of Korea, held Aug. 14 in Jongno-gu, Seoul. (Yonhap)
Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-uk delivers opening remarks at the 61st general assembly of the Governors Association of Korea, held Aug. 14 in Jongno-gu, Seoul. (Yonhap)

A conservative civic group in Ulsan has urged police to investigate criminal allegations involving Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-uk. Kim responded by saying he did not wish to engage with what he called "wasteful agitation and baseless speculation."

The Ulsan Women and Youth Alliance held a press conference Thursday at the press center of Ulsan City Hall, calling for "a swift and thorough police investigation into allegations of prostitution involving the sitting Ulsan mayor and allegations that money changed hands to cover up the case."

Recounting the background, the group said, "Allegations that the sitting Ulsan mayor, then a candidate, traveled to engage in prostitution emerged on May 18, and the very next day, allegations surfaced that a check for 20 million won ($14,900) had been handed to a key figure connected to the case." It added that a civic group had since filed a complaint with police over the matter.

The group expressed concern that the police investigation was moving too slowly, warning that "as time passes, it becomes harder to secure evidence, and the risk grows that statements from those involved could be tainted or the witnesses coerced." It went on to say, "What citizens are demanding is not political retaliation or special treatment, but the truth. If the allegations are true, those responsible should be punished strictly; if they are not, a swift investigation should clear up the doubts."

Asked by reporters about its relationship with the group that filed the original complaint, the alliance said it was affiliated with that group but had organized separately after the local elections, on the judgment that raising the issue would be more effective if led by youth and women.

Following the civic group's press conference, Kim posted a lengthy statement on social media denying the allegations.

"I had heard a few days ago that the People Power Party side was preparing a press conference, but since I have done nothing wrong, I paid it no attention," he wrote. "There are too many pressing issues in Ulsan city administration for me to spend time responding to such a reckless stunt, but to avoid confusion, I am leaving a brief statement."

"As a public figure, I understand that allegations can be raised and complaints filed based on speculation, but I trust that police will carry out that investigation in accordance with the law," Kim said. "Yet I sense impatience from the People Power Party side that filed the complaint, as if they expect it to end with a finding of no charges. In particular, knowing the details of an investigation in such depth could itself constitute a serious criminal offense."

He added, "If I have done something wrong, I will accept punishment through investigation and trial, but if there are no grounds for the charges, how will those who raised the allegations take responsibility? I have no wish to get drawn into wasteful agitation, and I would rather spend that time and energy working for the citizens."


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