Instead of dialogue, the city council speaker chose to go on a hunger strike for demolition… Women’s and civic groups say, “Resign.”

Forty women's and citizen organizations across the nation called for the resignation of Jeon-inju Kim, the mayor of Dongcheon City, after he made controversial remarks about "prostitutes are necessary evils." This followed the mayor's intervention to stop fellow lawmakers from criticizing sex trafficking. The organizations took responsibility for leading a collective fast and demanding his resignation and a review of the city's ethics and discipline procedures.

The impetus for the controversy began with Kim's statement last month at a Dongcheon police station, where he claimed to be "prostitutes are necessary evils." This statement was allegedly a veiled retaliation by his fellow lawmakers who had previously demanded stricter action against sex trafficking. Organizations demanded an apology and retraction for their insensitive remarks, which they accused of trivializing violence against women.

The organizations argued that Kim was participating in the mayor's role without formal appointment and urged him to officially declare his position as mayor. Kim himself acknowledged being "born and raised in Dongcheon as a woman and citizen." Both sides dispute the ownership of the building, with preservationists arguing that the national government should treat it as an "environment for human rights and peace," while the removal advocates claim it should be repurposed for development.

The discussions were initiated when Kim promised in 2024 to "listen to opposing opinions and hold rational debates," but in late April, he condemned the preservation camp as "fake rights" and "external forces," leading to the commencement of the fast and the fast. Mayor Kim suspended his fast after receiving advice from the city council on May 7, stating that he would continue his duties until the building demolition resumes.