The Verification Committee with the Democratic Party: "Qualification Decision for Ulsan's Song Byung-gi Deferred... No Speculation Found for Kim Eui-gyeom"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party's Public Office Election Candidate Verification Committee (Verification Committee) on the 3rd decided to withhold the eligibility judgment of Song Byung-gi, former Deputy Mayor of Ulsan City Economy, who is suspected of interfering in the Ulsan mayoral election, and requested a detailed review from the party's nomination management committee. Regarding Kim Eui-gyeom, former Blue House spokesperson who declared his withdrawal from the race on the same day, the committee stated, "It has been confirmed that there was no real estate speculation or preferential loans."

Jin Seong-jun, former lawmaker and secretary of the Democratic Party Verification Committee, held a briefing at the National Assembly in the afternoon and announced the results of the Verification Committee meeting.

Regarding former Deputy Mayor Song, Jin explained, "We reviewed various aspects such as the motivation and background for running and the investigation status, but we could not reach a decision on eligibility," adding, "We decided to request a detailed review from the party's nomination management committee."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding former spokesperson Kim, he said, "We conducted a focused investigation on allegations of speculation, preferential loans, and whether the capital gains from sales were actually donated, and as a result, (Kim's position) was sufficiently clarified."

He continued, "It was confirmed that there was no real estate speculation or preferential loans, and regarding the capital gains, after deducting taxes and expenses that had to be faithfully paid, it was confirmed that the donation was made without personal profit." However, Jin added, "Since the applicant (former spokesperson Kim) declared withdrawal before the final review, there was no need to proceed with the review."

Regarding former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju, who was involved in a past sexual harassment controversy, Jin said, "He did not apply for verification to the Verification Committee. I understand he applied for nomination to the nomination management committee," adding, "Since the nomination management committee has formed a verification subcommittee, the verification of former lawmaker Jeong will proceed through that subcommittee."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He added, "If someone bypasses the Verification Committee's application and review and goes directly to the nomination management committee's review, we will request that the same strict standards be applied by the Verification Committee and corresponding disadvantages be imposed."

The Verification Committee has so far reviewed 588 candidates out of 592 who declared their intention to run in the general election, excluding 4 who withdrew. As a result, 541 were judged eligible, 33 were judged ineligible, and 14 were requested for detailed review by the nomination management committee. Among 33 preliminary candidates for basic local government heads, 25 were judged eligible, 1 requested for detailed review, 6 judged ineligible, and 1 candidate will continue to be reviewed.

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