With the Democratic Party's primary for Goyang mayor entering its final stage, the Gyeonggi provincial chapter of the People Power Party has gone on the offensive, targeting allegations surrounding preliminary candidate Min Kyung-sun's tenure at Gyeonggi Transportation Corp. Min's camp dismissed the attacks as "evidence of a paradoxical frontrunner narrative, revealing who they fear most as an opponent."
In a commentary released Tuesday, the People Power Party's Gyeonggi chapter spokesperson team said, "A recent comprehensive audit of Gyeonggi Transportation Corp. resulted in severe disciplinary action and multiple warnings related to the operation of official vehicles." The team added, "Suspicions of personal use and circumstances suggesting long-term commuting use by a chauffeur have been confirmed."
The People Power Party criticized the outcome, stating, "While working-level staff were disciplined, the agency head, who bore supervisory responsibility, faced no consequences. Isn't this a repeat of the structure in which those in positions of accountability escape while only working-level staff bear the burden?" The party added, "The controversy surrounding candidate Min is expanding into a significant issue questioning whether the basic principles of public institution operation were properly observed."
Citing minutes from Gyeonggi Provincial Council administrative audits, the party also pointed out that Min had engaged in political activities during his tenure, including sending party member recruitment messages.
Min's camp immediately pushed back. In a press release, the camp stated, "The Gyeonggi Province Audit Committee officially concluded last year through its comprehensive audit that no disciplinary action would be required against former CEO Min." The camp warned, "Attempting to overturn a finalized judgment by a state institution through groundless political commentary is a clear overreach of authority and may constitute the dissemination of false information under the Public Official Election Act."
The camp also went on the counteroffensive, urging the People Power Party's Gyeonggi chapter to first address pending issues involving Goyang Mayor Lee Dong-hwan. The issues raised by Min's camp include: the Goyang City Council's resolution to file charges for "dereliction and neglect of duty"; a conflict-of-interest controversy over the appointment of a KINTEX auditor; seven refusals to appear as a witness before the city council; and 34 overseas business trips over 154 days.
Min also made his own statement directly. "I hope they use even half of the enthusiasm they direct at attacking me toward the city council charges and the Goyang citizens suffering from livelihood hardships," he said. "Let us stop smear politics and instead compete on livelihood policies such as expanding GTX lines and redeveloping Ilsan."
