Han Min-soo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea's Central Election Strategy Committee, on Wednesday criticized Kim Kwan-young, a candidate for Jeonbuk governor running as an independent after being expelled from the Democratic Party, saying "even the word 'shameless' is too kind for him."
In a written briefing that day, Han said, "Candidate Kim, in order to cover up his unjustified candidacy, is now resorting to 'divide-and-conquer' tactics on top of his 'blame others' election strategy." He pointed out, "Yesterday, Candidate Kim made a baseless claim that there is no cooperation between the party, the government, and the presidential office."
Han said, "The party's accomplishments in quietly supporting the government through legislation are countless, including not only bills on prosecution, judicial, and media reform, but also the third Commercial Act, the administrative integration law, the Yellow Envelope Act, and the four agricultural laws including the Grain Management Act." He added, "Is he now planning to drag in not only Party Leader Jung Chung-rae but also President Lee Jae-myung as well?"
He continued, "If the investigation and trial regarding Candidate Kim's cash handout activities result in a sentence severe enough to cost him his position, who will take responsibility? Won't all the damage fall on the residents of Jeonbuk?" He pressed further, "Stop the miraculous mental victories and reflect on yourself. The greatest risk to Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is Kim Kwan-young, the very perpetrator of the 'cash handout.'"
The Jeonbuk gubernatorial election has emerged as the most closely watched race in this local election, as Candidate Kim pushed ahead with his independent bid. The head-to-head contest between Kim and Democratic Party candidate Lee Won-taek has turned into a tight race, making the outcome difficult to predict.
