Jung Bong-ju: "Disqualification Judgment is an 'Emotional Punishment'... I Will Take Corresponding Action Plans"

"Punished Politically Solely for Causing Social Controversy"
"Acquitted of Sexual Harassment but Received 'Emotional Punishment' from the Party Committee"
"First Election in a Multi-Party System May Bring Internal Strife or Confusion... Need to Find Solutions, Will Monitor Party's Follow-Up Measures"

Former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju is expressing his position on April 15 general election 'disqualification' judgment at the National Assembly on the 11th. At this event, former lawmaker Jeong appealed his unfairness but stated that he would accept the party's decision for the success of the Moon Jae-in administration. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju, who was disqualified in the Democratic Party preliminary candidate screening due to a sexual harassment trial, held a press conference and sharply criticized, saying, "The Nomination Management Committee carried out an 'emotional punishment' based on political judgment." He also hinted at a political response, stating, "I will take a corresponding action plan while observing the party's follow-up measures."

On the afternoon of the 11th, Jeong held a press conference at the National Assembly titled 'Position on the Democratic Party Candidate Disqualification Decision' and made these remarks.

Jeong said, "When I investigated DAS and BBK, which were the starting points that put former President Lee Myung-bak in prison, I had no resentment toward the Democratic Party," adding, "However, two years ago, due to an unfortunate incident known as Me Too, I was politically punished by being blocked from rejoining the Democratic Party and barred from running for Seoul mayor. I gave up the dream of political rehabilitation simply because I caused social controversy as a public figure."

He continued, "I went through nearly two years of trial and was completely acquitted," and said, "I politely requested the Nomination Committee members to review the court ruling carefully and appealed for an opportunity to be judged by party members and voters."

Jeong stated, "However, I was deemed ineligible as a Democratic Party candidate," and added, "Although there is no acceptable legal basis or regulation, it seems that an 'emotional punishment' was carried out under the political judgment of 'the people's expectations and standards.' I feel so bitter and sorrowful that I want to cry out in agony."

He went on, "At first, I was cut off by the Lee Myung-bak administration, and now I am being cut off by colleagues who have shared difficult times," and said, "I must swallow tears in unbearable pain, but I will do my best again in the given field for the success of the Moon Jae-in government and the re-creation of the administration."

However, Jeong did not clearly state whether he would accept the Nomination Committee's decision or withdraw from the race during the press conference.

Regarding his future specific actions, Jeong said, "I will decide while observing the party's follow-up measures." When asked if he would accept the Nomination Committee's decision, he replied, "It's a double-edged sword," adding, "The Nomination Committee seems to think that everything ends once they disqualify a candidate. I have more options. I will watch the party's follow-up measures and take corresponding action plans."

Jeong emphasized, "This multi-party election is a new election unlike anything experienced in the past 60 years," and said, "If there are 60 days left until this election, it will be overturned 60 times. We need to find solutions on how to resolve issues with major Democratic Party members who have a clear identity as Jeong Bong-ju, and how to join hands with them to create solutions."

He also said, "There will probably be quite a few people who will object during the nomination process," and added, "If there are objections to the Nomination Committee's decision, there must be alternatives or solutions on how to handle them. I keep delivering that message." He further said, "By now, people should understand what Jeong Bong-ju is saying," and added, "If the Nomination Committee does not understand this, the party leadership needs to discuss what this means. They should consider that there could be discord or confusion within the party."

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