Democratic Party Declares Nomination Scandals “Individual Deviations,” Rejects Systemic Investigation
The Democratic Party of Korea has asserted that recent allegations of financial impropriety linked to candidate nominations are the result of “individual deviations” and has stated it will not pursue a broad investigation into the entire nomination process. The party’s stance comes amidst controversies involving Representative Kang Sun-woo and former floor leader Kim Byung-kee.
At a press briefing held at the National Assembly, Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae addressed questions concerning the party’s plans to investigate alleged monetary transactions connected to nominations for the 2022 local elections and the 2020 general elections.
“These allegations are seen as deviations by individual personnel rather than systemic issues,” Secretary-General Cho explained. “We are not currently considering investigating the entire nomination process.” He further clarified that the party does not believe systemic flaws were present across its nomination system as a whole.
The controversy surrounding former floor leader Kim Byung-kee involves accusations of receiving, and subsequently returning, monetary gifts from former Dongjak District Council members prior to the 2020 general elections. These claims were reportedly detailed in a petition submitted by Lee Soo-jin, a former representative who was not renominated in the 2024 general elections. The petition was allegedly delivered to Kim Hyun-ji, an aide to then-party leader Representative Lee Jae-myung.
Representative Kang Sun-woo, meanwhile, departed the party on the 1st and was subsequently expelled amidst allegations that he received 100 million Korean won from then-candidate Kim Kyung, a Seoul city council member, in the lead-up to the 2022 local elections.
Regarding the monetary transaction allegations involving former floor leader Kim during the 2020 general elections, Secretary-General Cho elaborated on the role of the party’s internal disciplinary bodies. He stated that while the factual basis of these claims remains unconfirmed, the Ethics Tribunal is tasked with a comprehensive assessment. “If necessary, it can conduct an ex officio investigation, and such procedures are expected to proceed,” he noted.
Secretary-General Cho emphasized that the Ethics Tribunal would proceed with its independent judgment to determine any necessary disciplinary actions against former floor leader Kim, irrespective of any ongoing police investigations. He also dismissed the People Power Party’s call for a special counsel to investigate the nomination allegations concerning Kim Byung-kee and Kang Sun-woo, stating, “We are not considering a special counsel.”
In response to these controversies, the Democratic Party has indicated plans to bolster its nomination framework. The focus will be on reinforcing the principle of ensuring primary election opportunities, a policy championed by party leader Jung Chung-rae.
“Even if there are no systemic issues, we recognize that such allegations arose due to limitations or loopholes,” Secretary-General Cho acknowledged. “We will uphold the principle of eradicating parachute nominations and ensure minimum primary election opportunities to prevent unjust cutoffs.”
The party also provided an explanation for the nomination process involving City Council member Kim Kyung, who is accused of providing monetary gifts to Representative Kang Sun-woo during the 2022 local elections. According to Secretary-General Cho, Council member Kim faced scrutiny over real estate speculation. With all three candidates having been initially cut off, and facing time constraints, the decision was made to proceed with a single nomination after consulting the regional committee chair, who was then Representative Kang.
Secretary-General Cho further commented on the situation, stating, “We do not believe the two competitors of Council member Kim had moral flaws warranting cutoff. At the time, the nomination system heavily respected the opinion of the regional committee chair. This time, nominations will be conducted based on standards and principles.”
Key Takeaways from the Democratic Party’s Statement:
- Individual vs. Systemic Issues: The party views recent nomination-related financial allegations as isolated incidents by individuals, not as indicative of systemic problems within the nomination process.
- No Broad Investigation: A party-wide investigation into the entire nomination process is not planned.
- Ethics Tribunal to Proceed: The Ethics Tribunal will independently assess allegations against former floor leader Kim Byung-kee and determine disciplinary actions.
- Rejection of Special Counsel: The party has ruled out the appointment of a special counsel to investigate the nomination controversies.
- Strengthening Nomination Framework: Future nomination processes will aim to enhance systemic integrity, focusing on ensuring primary election opportunities and preventing “parachute nominations.”
- Specific Nomination Case Explained: The party offered a rationale for the nomination of Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung in 2022, citing candidate scrutiny and the influence of regional committee chair opinions at the time.
