Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate running in the Busan Buk-A by-election, said Tuesday he reached his campaign donation cap in just 19 minutes. Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party candidate for Daegu mayor, and Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party candidate in the Pyeongtaek-B by-election, also disclosed that they had maxed out their donation limits, showcasing their support.
"When fundraising opened at 10 a.m., deposits flooded in and caused a system error, but we reached the 150 million won cap in just 19 minutes," Han's camp said. The donations came from 1,762 contributions, with an average amount of 85,131 won. "Small-sum donations accounted for 93.8 percent," Han's camp noted. With the cap reached, the donation account is currently closed.
"I am grateful for the warm support," Han wrote on his Facebook page. "I will not forget that support and will work to rebuild Buk-gu and rebuild the conservative camp."
Earlier, Kim Yong-nam, the candidate in the Pyeongtaek-B election, disclosed on social media Monday that he had reached the 150 million won donation cap. "Although it has only been a few days since I opened the account and I could not focus much on fundraising, my supporters filled the donation cap," he wrote. "I am even more moved by the fact that 98 percent of donors contributed less than 100,000 won, and most have no personal connection to me."
Local election candidates also disclosed news of closing their donation accounts and expressed their gratitude. Kim Boo-kyum said through a press release Tuesday that he had reached his legal donation limit of 641.35 million won. "I will deliver a result that will be called a miracle," Kim said. Wi Seong-gon, the Democratic Party candidate for Jeju governor, also said he had completed fundraising of 226 million won.
Under the Political Funds Act, the donation cap for National Assembly elections is 150 million won. For local elections, candidates can raise up to half of the campaign spending limit, which is calculated based on factors such as population. In populous areas such as Seoul and Gyeonggi, the cap exceeds 2 billion won. Candidates place great significance on donations, not only for the practical reason of easing campaign cost burdens but also because they reflect voluntary support from local residents.
