Democratic Party of Korea Mokpo Primary, Turbulent Developments

Defamation Complaints Continue as Community Garden Faces 'Emergency to Reclaim Mokpo'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Ahead of the April 15 National Assembly general election, the Democratic Party of Korea's primary process is heating up.

According to political circles in the Mokpo area on the 24th, it was reported that an acquaintance of preliminary candidate A, who is running in Mokpo, treated about ten local residents to a meal on the 23rd, and a citizen filed a complaint with the prosecution, leading to an investigation.

In response, preliminary candidate B issued a statement on the same day urging candidate A to explain the situation.

The Democratic Party, aiming to reclaim its stronghold in the Mokpo area, is facing difficulties despite having absolute party support due to this adverse incident of the complaint.

Earlier, on the 12th, the Democratic Party held a Supreme Council meeting and disciplined preliminary candidates who excessively accessed the list of party members during the April 15 general election candidate application process, sparking criticism of unfairness.

Due to excessive access to party member information, preliminary candidates Bae Jong-ho and Woo Ki-jong received the lowest scores on some items in the nomination screening, and in particular, Woo Ki-jong was penalized with a 15% deduction in the primary.

In response, Woo Ki-jong expressed dissatisfaction with the party primary, stating, "My honor has been seriously damaged by false rumors that it was illegal," and urged the Democratic Party Supreme Council for a fair disposition, arguing that the 'post-punishment regulation' and the 'principle of non-retroactivity of criminal law' were violated. He also moved his campaign office to a tent to continue election activities.

In the April 15 general election, with a two-person primary principle, preliminary candidates Bae Jong-ho and Kim Han-chang were cut off from the primary, and preliminary candidates Kim Won-i and Woo Ki-jong faced off in the primary.

Meanwhile, a fierce main election competition is expected between the Democratic Party primary winner, Park Ji-won of the Alternative Party, and Yoon So-ha, floor leader of the Justice Party.

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