Yeoju City Issues Official Statement Regarding Allegations of Fund-Raising and Tree Transplantation Irregularities

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Eom In-yong] Yeoju City issued an official statement on the 26th regarding allegations of illegal fund-raising related to the "Four Major Rivers Project Memorial Monument."

According to the city, the disputed issue concerns "Yeoju City encouraging donation campaigns and the municipal government leader supporting and promoting fund-raising activities." In response, the city stated: "Shortly after receiving a support request from the 'Four Major Rivers Project Memorial Foundation' regarding the construction of the memorial, Yeoju City's Election Management Commission was consulted in advance about whether it was possible to distribute promotional materials or support group activities at various meetings and gatherings."

The city added: "The Election Management Commission responded that distributing or supporting promotional materials as part of public relations activities to inform residents about information necessary for daily life, such as projects pursued by national agencies and facility usage, is not problematic."

Therefore, guiding voluntary participation and urging interest through towns and villages was conducted as a legal promotional activity within the scope that does not violate relevant laws such as the Public Official Election Act, the city stated.

Additionally, the "Four Major Rivers Project Memorial Foundation" is a voluntary nonprofit association established in October 2024, centered around the private organization "Yeogangwoe," and the city stated: "No psychological pressure was applied or coercive fund-raising solicitation occurred to civil servants, affiliated institutions, and related organizations; residents were only informed of the memorial foundation's original intent of 'voluntary participation.' All publicity and guidance were at the level of cooperation requests premised on voluntary participation, with no coercive or punitive implications whatsoever."

Regarding claims that "although the city initially budgeted for the monument construction, the entire amount was cut during the council's deliberation process, leading to a shift to citizen donation methods," the city responded: "Since the memorial foundation was established in October 2024, it has continuously secured project funds through voluntary participation and donations." It added: "However, as the fund-raising amount fell short of project costs, creating significant challenges for construction, the foundation requested budget allocation for the memorial tower construction, and submitted a budget request to the Yeoju City Council. The budget was rejected by the Yeoju City Council citing insufficient project feasibility and citizen consensus, resulting in the matter being concluded without budget approval."

Therefore, the allegation that "Yeoju City became involved in private fund-raising, exercised influence, undermined citizens' autonomy, and used local finances and administrative authority to support fund-raising" is "based solely on the accusers' one-sided claims and contradicts the facts," the city stated.

The city declared: "The administration was carried out in accordance with relevant laws and the official interpretation of the Election Management Commission, within lawful procedures and scope. Going forward, the city will pursue administrative operations with citizens' autonomy and fairness as the top priority."

Meanwhile, the city stated: "Regarding the allegations related to the transplantation of dawn redwood trees, the Yeoju District Prosecutors' Office issued a 'no charges' decision after investigation and legal review in November 2024." It explained: "The investigation examined unlawful conduct and improper budget execution, and a determination was made that it is difficult to assign criminal responsibility, concluding the case." The city added: "Repeatedly raising matters on which legal determinations have already been completed not only increases citizen fatigue but can also undermine the credibility of municipal administration and administrative efficiency."