Namyangju City Council elects Kim Jin-hee as chairperson

The Namyangju City Council has elected Kim Jin-hee of the Democratic Party as its chairperson for the first half of the current term, ending a 78-day deadlock that left the council without leadership. During the vote held on the 16th, Kim received 11 votes, narrowly defeating fellow Democratic Party member Son Jeong-ja, who received 10 votes.

The election result was unexpected as it deviated from the Democratic Party's internal decision to nominate Son Jeong-ja. This deviation, caused by defection votes within the party, has stalled further organizational processes. While the chairperson has been selected, the council has yet to elect vice-chairpersons or committee chairs.

Following the election, the session was adjourned after Democratic Party members requested a recess to reorganize. The council is expected to attempt further organizational elections around the 18th, though the ability to convene a formal session remains uncertain due to the political fallout from the chairperson election.