The Democratic Party of Korea criticized former Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young, who was expelled from the party for distributing cash to local youth, for filing a court injunction to suspend the expulsion. The party said the motion "appears unlikely to be granted" and called for reflection and self-examination first.
Floor Leader Han Byeong-do appeared on the YouTube show "Jang Yoon-sun's Reporting Convenience Store" and said, "It's not a matter of the amount. Whether it's 50,000 won or 500,000 won, the act itself is a clear violation of the Public Official Election Act." He added, "The disciplinary action followed proper procedures, so there is no procedural defect."
Han said, "Admitting wrongdoing and quickly resolving the matter is the process of earning public trust. When there is such a problem, saying 'this was for proxy fees' or 'it happened for such-and-such reasons' does not meet the public's standards." He added, "The injunction also appears unlikely to be granted because the party followed all procedures and processes."
Secretary General Cho Seung-rae met reporters outside the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "There was an inappropriate and illegal act of cash distribution, CCTV footage vividly recorded the scene, and Governor Kim himself could not deny the facts." He added, "The Supreme Council's swift decision to expel him was an appropriate measure in accordance with party rules and regulations."
Cho said, "Isn't it true that Governor Kim himself feels ashamed of the act? It would be appropriate for him to take the opportunity for reflection and self-examination." When asked whether the Jeonbuk governor primary would proceed on schedule, he said, "Nothing has changed. Candidate registration takes place on the 4th, and it will proceed as planned."
When asked whether Kim remains ineligible to register as a candidate because his injunction has not yet been granted, Cho said flatly, "Of course. He is currently in a state of expulsion."
Earlier, Kim disclosed on Facebook that he had filed for an injunction. He also requested leniency regarding the Democratic Party's Jeonbuk provincial chapter's plan to investigate all individuals involved, including the youth who received cash, and to strip them of eligibility to run in the June 3 local elections.