Mayor Resigns From GNP After Remarks

Lee Hyo-seon, mayor of Gwangmyeong, withdrew from Grand National Party (GNP) on August 3. He recently caused a stir by making remarks that degraded Jeolla Province.

He is the first mayor to quit the party among heads of local governments after the May 31 local elections.

Lee visited the building of GNP in Gangseo-gu, Seoul and submitted his withdrawal report. GNP spokesperson Na Gyeong-won said, “He feels sorry for his mistakes that caused concern to people of Jeolla, Gwangmyeong citizens and the GNP.”

mhpark@donga.com