Election Staff Member Kim Jin-tae, Massively Damages 'Sewol Ferry Memorial' Banners... Explains as "Personal Misconduct"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] An election staff member of Kim Jin-tae, the United Future Party candidate running in the Chuncheon-Cheorwon-Hwacheon-Yanggu Gap electoral district in Gangwon Province in the April 15 general election, was caught by the police for damaging a large number of memorial banners for the '6th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster.'

The 'Chuncheon Citizens' Action for the Truth Investigation and Punishment of Those Responsible for the Sewol Ferry Disaster,' which installed the banners, discovered Mr. A cutting the banners with a razor blade around 10:40 p.m. on the 12th and reported it to the police.

Mr. A, an election staff member of candidate Kim, was found with four banners in his hand and 23 more in his vehicle at the time of discovery. The Chuncheon Police Station in Gangwon is investigating Mr. A on charges of property damage.

On the 13th, candidate Kim issued a statement saying, "This was a personal deviation by an election staff member," adding, "I was informed later, and if I had known beforehand, I would have certainly stopped it." He also said, "The election staff member has taken responsibility for his actions and resigned today," and "The election camp will conduct the remaining campaign period with a solemn attitude."

In response, the Chuncheon Citizens' Action stated, "The damage to the banners is by no means a personal mistake or accidental violence but entirely the responsibility of candidate Kim," urging his immediate resignation.

Opposing candidates also criticized the incident unanimously. Heo Young, the Democratic Party candidate, said, "It is regrettable and unfortunate that such an incident occurred while the bereaved families have not healed from their nightmares," and "I hope for sincere apologies and reflection from those involved." Um Jae-cheol, the Justice Party candidate, also said, "They brutally trampled on the citizens' mourning feelings. This is consistent with candidate Kim's past words and actions," and demanded, "Resign from the candidacy immediately."

Kim Seong-hoe, spokesperson for the Open Democratic Party, harshly criticized, saying, "Not only rude remarks but also theft?Is this the United Future Party's declaration of giving up the election?" and earnestly requested, "The United Future Party leadership should not pardon candidate Kim and should not deprive voters of the chance to directly reject Kim Jin-tae."

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