PPP suspends Daegu mayor’s party membership for 10 months

The conservative People Power Party's (PPP) ethics committee decided Wednesday to suspend Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo’s party membership for 10 months over his recent golfing controversy.

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo apologizes in a press conference in Daegu on July 19 after coming under fire for playing golf over the weekend when the country was suffering from many casualties and damages due to heavy downpours. [YONHAP]

The conservative People Power Party's (PPP) ethics committee decided Wednesday to suspend Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo's party membership for 10 months over his recent golfing controversy.

The disciplinary action came after Hong came under intense fire for playing golf earlier this month when the nation was struggling with torrential rains, flooding and landslides that left dozens dead or missing.

Hong initially rebuffed the criticism last week, claiming that he had the right to do whatever he wants during his private time.

However, his remarks only garnered further criticism, and the PPP looked into the criticism against Hong under the instructions of PPP Chairman Kim Gi-hyeon.

Hong finally issued an apology on July 19 as the issue snowballed.

Hong previously had his party membership suspended in July 2015, during his time as South Gyeongsang governor.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]