'Match-Fixing' and 'Zero-Tolerance Legal Actions'... Increasingly Harsh 4·7 By-Elections

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Geum Bo-ryeong] Ahead of the April 7 by-elections, harsh remarks are emerging, and warnings of legal actions between candidates are creating a fierce atmosphere in the political arena.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 16th, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, warned that he would take legal action against Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party candidate, who raised suspicions about Naegok-dong. Through social media (SNS) on the same day, Oh stated, "If false information continues to be spread, damaging my honor and polluting the Seoul mayoral election with outdated dirty politics, based on facts that anyone can verify by checking a few legal provisions and official documents from that time, I solemnly warn that we will respond with a zero-tolerance policy not only against Democratic Party lawmakers Chun Jun-ho and Ko Min-jung but also against candidate Park." This came after lawmaker Chun and others raised suspicions about land in Naegok-dong owned by Oh's in-laws, and Park also launched an offensive, prompting the indication of legal countermeasures.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate for Seoul mayor, also sharply criticized Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, calling his remarks "acts of treason." On the same day, Ahn appeared on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and said, "(Kim chairman) crossing the line with such remarks toward a partner is an act of treason." The day before, Kim had criticized Ahn at the Central Election Committee meeting, saying, "Someone who cannot even properly debate cannot become the Seoul mayor candidate."

Additionally, regarding the difficulties in unifying opposition candidates, Ahn said, "Is there a 'Sangwang' (supreme king) behind the candidate?" and added, "That is concerning." When asked who the 'Sangwang' was, Ahn referred to "the listener," indicating Kim Jong-in.

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