▲ Chuncheon City Councilwoman Kim Ji-sook bows her head in apology following a press conference.
Chuncheon City Councilwoman Kim Ji-sook of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is currently under police investigation for failing to pay a taxi fare while intoxicated and causing a disturbance at a local police substation, issued a public apology today (July 31).
During a press briefing held at the city hall briefing room, Councilwoman Kim stated in an official statement, "I sincerely bow my head and apologize for disappointing and worrying citizens due to my improper behavior on the night of the 28th, which involved failing to pay a taxi fare and causing a disturbance at the Hupyeong Police Substation while under the influence of alcohol."
She continued, "As a city councilwoman who should serve as a role model, I am well aware that my actions cannot be justified under any circumstances. I am taking this matter very seriously and deeply reflecting on my actions."
Kim explained that after leaving the police substation at the time, she fell near a crosswalk while heading home, received treatment at an emergency room, and then visited the Hupyeong Police Substation again later that day.
"My return to the substation in the early morning hours was to apologize to the police officers before their shift changed," she clarified. "Some media reports made it appear as though I caused another disturbance, but that is not true."
She added, "On the afternoon of the incident, I apologized directly to the taxi driver, and I plan to apologize today to the one police officer whom I have not yet been able to reach."
"I will faithfully cooperate with the police investigation," Kim vowed. "Taking this incident as an opportunity to look deeply within myself, I will correct all my actions to regain the trust of the citizens through self-reflection and penance."
Previously, the Chuncheon Police Station booked and is currently investigating Councilwoman Kim on charges of causing a disturbance while intoxicated.
Kim is accused of creating a disturbance, including hurling insults at police officers while heavily intoxicated at the Hupyeong Police Substation in Chuncheon on the night of the 28th.
At the time, because she had not paid her taxi fare, the driver brought Kim to the police substation along with his cab. Police did not arrest her at the scene, taking into consideration her identification verification and the circumstances on site.
Earlier on the 30th, the Gangwon Provincial Chapter of the Democratic Party imposed a heavy disciplinary action of a one-year suspension of party membership on Kim, and the Chuncheon City Council plans to convene a special ethics committee soon to discuss disciplinary measures against her.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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