Chuncheon Councilman Investigated for Drunken Disturbance at Police Station

A prominent three-term city councilor in Chuncheon, South Korea, is facing police scrutiny for allegedly causing a public disturbance while intoxicated at a local police substation. The councilor, identified as a member of the Democratic Party, is being investigated for violating the Minor Offenses Act related to public intoxication at a government facility.

The incident reportedly occurred late Tuesday evening when the councilor was brought to the Huypyeong police substation. He had allegedly refused to pay a taxi fare, and upon arrival at the station, began using abusive language and causing a scene. Police reportedly facilitated the payment of the taxi fare via card before sending the councilor home. However, he allegedly returned to the substation later, continuing his disruptive behavior.

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Public intoxication at government facilities is a criminal act that disrupts the normal functioning of public authority. As a three-term city councilor elected as a representative of the citizens, this incident occurred less than a month after beginning his term, therefore, a thorough investigation and strict accountability are required.

Authorities decided against arresting the councilor at the scene, citing his clear identity and the nature of the offense. The police plan to summon him for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The Democratic Party must immediately launch its own fact-finding investigation, disclose the results to the public, and swiftly implement appropriate disciplinary measures, including referral to the ethics committee.

In response, the Justice Party's Gangwon Provincial Chapter issued a statement condemning the councilor's actions. They labeled public intoxication at government facilities as a criminal offense that obstructs the functioning of public authority. The party urged a thorough investigation and strict accountability, especially given that the incident occurred less than a month into the councilor's new term.

The Justice Party also called on the Democratic Party to launch its own internal investigation, disclose the findings, and swiftly implement disciplinary measures, including referral to an ethics committee. They further demanded that the councilor apologize publicly and clarify the events. The Chuncheon City Council was also urged to convene a special ethics committee to review the councilor's conduct and potential violation of the duty to maintain dignity.

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The councilor must apologize directly to the citizens and clarify the circumstances of the incident. The Chuncheon City Council should also convene a special ethics committee to review whether the councilor violated the duty to maintain dignity.