Democratic Party Expels Jeong Hyun-bok, Mayor of Gwangyang, Over 'Speculation Allegations'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea expelled Jeong Hyun-bok, the former mayor of Gwangyang City, Jeonnam, who is suspected of using his position to gain real estate profits, on the 2nd.

Shin Young-dae, the Democratic Party spokesperson, stated in a text message sent to reporters on the same day, "Considering Jeong Hyun-bok, mayor of Gwangyang City, Jeonnam's refusal to cooperate with the Ethics Inspection Team's investigation and his expressed intention to leave the party, the Democratic Party urgently held an emergency disciplinary meeting through the Supreme Council and decided on expulsion."

The Jeonnam Provincial Party of the Democratic Party reported suspicions of real estate speculation involving Mayor Jeong and his family to the party's Ethics Inspection Team and requested an official investigation on the previous day (the 1st). In a statement released on the same day, Mayor Jeong said, "I have never done anything shameful regarding the real estate controversy raised this time," and added, "I will hold legally accountable to the end for acts that divide local public opinion and damage my honor through unconfirmed or false media reports."

Earlier, Mayor Jeong was suspected of preferential treatment as 108㎡ of his own 569㎡ land and 307㎡ of his family's 423㎡ land in Hobuk Village, Gwangyang, where a two-lane road construction was underway, were compensated.

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