Lee In-young, "Insufficient Verification of Won Jong-geon... Apologize to the Public" As for the Disposition, "Please Watch Closely"

Lee In-young, Democratic Party Floor Leader, on Allegations of Dating Violence Against Won Jong-geon: "We Did Not Examine the Matter Carefully and Thoroughly"
"Kim Eui-gyeom, Former Blue House Spokesman, Eligibility Review to Be Concluded by Mid-February"
"Ban on Chinese Entry Is a Last Resort Only Considered in Case of a Major Outbreak"

Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said regarding the 'Won Jong-geon incident,' "If there has been any concern caused to the public, I apologize." This is the first time Lee has officially expressed an apology related to this incident. However, he asked to "wait a little longer" regarding the disciplinary action against Won Jong-geon.

On the morning of the 29th, Lee appeared on CBS Radio and responded to the question, "There are criticisms that Won Jong-geon was recruited based only on his story or image," by saying, "There are parts of the facts that need further verification later, but if the party failed to examine more carefully and meticulously and caused concern to the public, I apologize."

When asked, "After announcing Won as a recruited talent, the related search terms included Me Too, indicating rumors were circulating. Did you re-examine those parts immediately after the announcement?" he said, "If such matters had been officially reported and confirmed, we would have taken action." He added, "I think there was a shortcoming in that we could not confirm to that extent."

Lee stated that after investigating Won, disciplinary action would be taken in principle.

He said, "We also need to verify the facts more thoroughly," and added, "Since the Gender Violence Reporting and Investigation Center under the Secretary-General will conduct an investigation soon, we plan to proceed based on the results in principle." Regarding whether they plan to expel Won from the party, he said, "I cannot definitively say anything yet," and asked to "wait and see."

He emphasized, "Until now, the party’s candidate or talent recruitment system has operated within the scope accessible to the party. We have conducted sufficient disqualification checks based on information that can be obtained from public institutions, but we will go through a process to further inspect and supplement any overlooked parts."

Regarding future verification procedures for former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju, who was accused of sexual harassment in college, he said, "Until now, the Public Office Candidate Verification Committee mainly conducted verification activities, but since the Nomination Management Committee has started full operation, I think all will be transferred and handled by them."

About the eligibility of former Blue House spokesperson Kim Ui-gyeom as a preliminary candidate, he said, "Since primaries will begin in regions with elections by mid-February at the latest, I think a conclusion will be reached before then."

Regarding notification of the bottom 20% evaluation targets, he refrained from commenting, saying, "That is something I do not know about." However, he added, "I do not think our party or leadership would unilaterally communicate any intention and say 'follow me' in that manner," and said, "Ultimately, I believe a reasonable process will be followed in line with the public’s expectations."

Regarding the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), he said, "It seems that a travel ban has not yet been considered necessary." He added, "I think it is a last resort measure that can be considered only in a large-scale outbreak, and it would be better to respond according to international standards."

He continued, "China is a neighboring country with extensive human exchanges," and said, "I understand the public’s anxiety, but I think it is necessary to respond calmly and appropriately to the situation." He emphasized, "There is no need for the political sphere and media to excessively lead and provoke anxiety."

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