Verification Committee again defers decision on Kim Eui-gyeom's eligibility... "Referred to On-site Investigation Subcommittee"

Also Subject to 'Continued Review'... "There Are Additional Matters to Verify"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The Democratic Party's Public Election Candidate Verification Committee was unable to reach a conclusion on the eligibility of former Blue House spokesperson Kim Ui-gyeom as a preliminary candidate for the April 15 general election on the 20th.

The Verification Committee announced through a written briefing that during the plenary meeting held at the Yeouido Central Party Office in the afternoon, they decided to continue reviewing former spokesperson Kim and referred the matter to the on-site investigation subcommittee.

The committee explained, "Former spokesperson Kim submitted materials including donation details related to real estate issues to clarify the matter," adding, "The committee found that there are additional points that need to be verified from the submitted explanations and thus referred the case to the on-site investigation subcommittee for confirmation."

Previously, at the plenary meeting on the 14th, the committee also reviewed former spokesperson Kim's eligibility but placed him under 'continued review' due to the need for submission of explanatory materials related to the real estate controversy.

Although the committee intended to conclude the eligibility decision at this meeting, they postponed the decision again, judging that further investigation was necessary.

Former spokesperson Kim declared his candidacy for Gunsan, Jeonbuk, on December 19 of last year. Prior to this, he had announced on his Facebook that he would donate all profits from the sale of a commercial-residential building in Heukseok-dong, Seoul, amid allegations of 'real estate speculation.'

Meanwhile, the committee reviewed a total of 52 applicants for the National Assembly preliminary candidate verification on the same day. Three other applicants withdrew their candidacies, so their reviews were omitted.

As a result of the review, 36 were deemed eligible, and 5 were judged ineligible.

Additionally, 5 applicants were requested for detailed review, and 6, including former spokesperson Kim, were placed under continued review.

Regarding the preliminary candidates for basic local government heads, the committee judged 8 eligible, 4 ineligible, and requested detailed review for 1 applicant, while 1 was placed under continued review.

The next meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the 28th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.