Conservative Group Files Complaint Against Democratic Party Candidate Over Primary Campaign 'Drinking Party Controversy'

Photo by Go Young-in, captured from the blog of Go Young-in, Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Ansan Danwon Gap, Gyeonggi

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Ko Young-in, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Gyeonggi Ansan Danwon Gap, who caused controversy by having a drinking party with supporters during the 4.15 National Assembly general election candidate primary, has been reported to the prosecution.

The Election Manipulation Monitoring and Reporting Group, composed of three conservative organizations including the Liberty Korea Patriotic Corps, submitted a complaint against candidate Ko to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office on the morning of the 23rd, accusing him of violating the Public Official Election Act.

Candidate Ko, after winning the Democratic Party primary for Gyeonggi Ansan Danwon Gap on the 20th, provided alcoholic beverages to dozens of supporters at the campaign office, sparking controversy over violation of the Public Official Election Act. The current Public Official Election Act prohibits providing alcoholic beverages to visitors at campaign offices.

The reporting group stated, "We filed the complaint to raise awareness among National Assembly candidates and the public about candidate Ko's actions, which are hostile to democracy and the election system, and to seek judicial action against him."

On the same day, the reporting group also filed complaints against two netizens active in regional 'Mom Cafes' on internet portals for violating the Public Official Election Act and the Information and Communications Network Act. These individuals posted an article titled 'Worldwide Mask Prices + Taiwan Masks,' claiming that the Democratic Party proposed the Mask Export Restriction Act but the United Future Party opposed it, which allegedly negatively affected the general election.

The reporting group argued, "The accused's actions are hostile to democracy, posing a risk to the fair and just operation of elections, which are the foundation of democracy," and added, "If such actions are left unchecked, indiscriminate and illegal candidate defamation will run rampant, making fair and just elections impossible."

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