Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook clashes with lawmakers during audit

A parliamentary audit of Ulsan City's administration faced disruption on the 21st when members of the People Power Party staged a collective walkout. The incident occurred during a session of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee at Ulsan City Hall.

The conflict arose from the conduct and remarks of Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook. Lawmakers criticized the Mayor's personal YouTube activities, alleging he used aggressive language toward media officials and mocked city council members. Representative Joo Ho-young also raised concerns regarding the use of public resources for private broadcasting and the appointment of celebrity ambassadors who have expressed political affiliations.

Mayor Kim defended his actions, stating that his YouTube channel serves as an extension of his communication with citizens and is not conducted during working hours. He further argued that the inquiries regarding his personal activities and ambassador appointments fell outside the legal scope of the audit, which is limited to state-delegated affairs and projects supported by national subsidies.

Other issues raised during the session included the potential merger of port authorities, hospital closures, and local industrial AI strategies. The audit resumed after a brief recess following the return of the opposition lawmakers.