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A conflict has arisen between Chong Won-o, a candidate for Seoul mayor (previous mayor of Seongdong District), and the Seoul Metropolitan Government concerning the rehiring of the former director of the Seongdong Cultural Center, who was put on trial for sexual offense allegations.

Lee Min-kyung, a representative of Seoul City, made a statement on the 30th, stating, “Candidate Jeong, who held the position of Seongdong District Mayor for three terms, is attempting to shift responsibility to Seoul City regarding this matter, which overlooks the institutional framework and practical operations. Seoul City expresses sincere regret.”

Previously, Candidate Jeong argued that the responsibility for managing and overseeing the cultural center belongs to Seoul City, not the autonomous district, while he was serving as Mayor of Seongdong District. He participated in a radio show that morning and said, “This is an issue that should be discussed with Mayor Oh Se-hoon.”

The current director of the Seongdong Cultural Center, Mr. A, was charged with sexual offenses in 2024 while holding the seventh leadership position at the center and was convicted in the initial court ruling. Mr. A then stepped down but applied for the role again in January of the previous year following his acquittal in the appeal process, and was reinstated. The ultimate decision regarding Mr. A’s case is still pending.

Seoul City responded, “The selection and operation of cultural center directors are independently determined by each center’s board of directors in accordance with the Local Cultural Center Promotion Act. Both Seoul City and the respective autonomous district share responsibility for management, oversight, and administrative support. The appointment of cultural center directors has typically been handled by the autonomous district, taking into account local characteristics and autonomy.”

Cho Eun-hee, a lawmaker from the People Power Party who is close to Mayor Oh, also shared on Facebook that day, stating, “Candidate Jeong’s response to the sexual violence incident involving the head of the Seongdong Cultural Center is not just shocking—it’s misleading.” She criticized Candidate Jeong, saying, “He publicly supports ‘zero gender violence’ but avoids responsibility behind the scenes—a clear example of disassociation. According to Candidate Jeong’s reasoning, the blame should be shifted to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the President under the Local Cultural Center Promotion Act, which is the higher-level law compared to Seoul’s cultural center ordinance.”

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