ULSAN — A member of the Ulsan Metropolitan Council belonging to the People Power Party was caught in a police check while driving heavily intoxicated just before the Chuseok holiday. The Democratic Party has called for the member's immediate resignation, citing a past drunk-driving case involving another People Power Party council member and the light punishment that followed.
According to Ulsan Dongbu Police Station and other sources on the 29th, Ulsan Metropolitan Council member Kim, 45, was caught in a police sobriety check at around 9:30 p.m. on the 23rd while driving intoxicated on a road in Dong-gu, Ulsan.
Kim's blood alcohol level at the time was found to be at the threshold for license revocation. Police have booked Kim on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act through drunk driving and are investigating the circumstances of the drinking and driving.
Kim is also reported to have received a license suspension for drunk driving in 2013.
Whether the council will take disciplinary action against Kim is expected to be addressed at the regular session beginning Nov. 2.
Previously, when another People Power Party council member faced allegations of drunk and unlicensed driving, the eighth Ulsan Metropolitan Council issued only a warning, the lowest level of discipline, drawing criticism that it was shielding its own.
The Democratic Party's Ulsan Metropolitan Chapter issued a statement on the 29th demanding Kim's resignation and a public apology from the People Power Party.
"We express deep regret over the shocking criminal conduct by an elected official who should be responsible for citizens' safety and set an example," the chapter said in the statement. "This is not the first case of drunk driving by a People Power Party council member."
The chapter added, "We clearly remember the arrogant behavior of People Power Party council member Hong Sung-woo, who was caught drunk driving one month into the eighth Ulsan Metropolitan Council's term, had his license revoked, continued driving without a license for more than two years and received a summary order of a 3 million won fine." It continued, "At the time, the council, where the People Power Party held an overwhelming majority, was busy shielding him with a warning, the weakest discipline, and then went on to nominate him in this local election and even hand him the vice chairmanship of the ninth Ulsan Metropolitan Council — a farce."
"Yet another drunk-driving case involving one of its council members is a foreseeable disaster born of the People Power Party's complacent standards and shameless protection," the chapter said. "Drunk driving is not a simple mistake but a serious crime that threatens the lives of others. The People Power Party must apologize to Ulsan citizens without excuses, and the council member must take responsibility and resign immediately."
