"Allegations of Kim Sang-wook’s Prostitution"—Ulsan Mayor Calls Civic Group’s Call for Investigation "Wasteful Incitement and Speculation"

[Financial News] A conservative civic group in Ulsan has called for a police investigation into criminal allegations involving Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook. Kim responded that he "does not want to get involved because it is wasteful incitement and speculation."

The Ulsan Women and Youth Alliance held a press conference at the Ulsan City Hall press center on the 10th and stated, "We call for a swift and thorough police investigation into the allegations of prostitution involving the incumbent Ulsan mayor and the criminal allegations that money was delivered to cover them up."
The group explained, "On May 18, allegations emerged that the incumbent Ulsan mayor, who was a candidate at the time, had engaged in prostitution outside the region. The following day, allegations surfaced that a 20 million won check had been delivered to a key figure in the case. In response, a civic group filed a complaint with the police."
The group continued, "However, the police investigation has been making little progress," expressing concern that "as time passes, it becomes more difficult to secure evidence, and the possibility increases that the statements of those involved could be tainted or that they could be persuaded to change them."
The group asserted, "What citizens are demanding is not political retaliation or preferential treatment, but that the truth be revealed. If the allegations are true, those responsible should be strictly punished; if they are not, the allegations can be resolved through a swift investigation."
In response to reporters’ question, "What is your relationship with the group that filed the complaint?" the group explained, "We are connected to that group, but we organized separately after the local elections because we judged that it would be better to raise the issue with young people and women at the center."

Kim later posted a lengthy statement on social media, denying the group’s claims.
He said, "I heard several days ago that the People Power Party was preparing a press conference, but I paid no attention because I had done nothing wrong." He added, "There are too many issues in Ulsan city administration that need to be addressed, so I have no time to respond to such absurd acts. However, because the confusion needs to be reduced, I will briefly state my position."
He continued, "As a public figure, I understand that people can raise allegations and file complaints based on speculation, but I believe the police will conduct the investigation in accordance with the law." He added, "However, I sense impatience from the People Power Party, which filed the complaint, as if it expects the matter to end with a finding of no charges. In particular, knowing the details of the investigation could itself constitute a serious criminal offense."
Finally, Kim stated, "If I have done something wrong, I will accept punishment through an investigation and trial. But if there are no charges, how will the person who raised the allegations take responsibility?" He added, "I have no desire to get involved in wasteful incitement, and I will use that time and energy to work for the citizens."
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