Kim Jin-mo, chairman of the Chungju Seowon-dang branch of People Power Party, resigned amid controversy over his remarks defending Choi Young-jung, a former Chungju City Council member who is under investigation for alleged sexual exploitation of minors. Kim is said to have stepped down, taking responsibility for nominating Choi in the last local elections. The Chungbuk branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions criticized Kim's remarks as tantamount to shielding Choi, who is accused of sexual crimes, and demanded his resignation. Choi, who faces charges of child sexual exploitation and production of sexually exploitative materials, has resigned from his position as a city council member and is under police investigation.
