Busan Election Battle... "Daily Corruption Allegations" vs "Conspiratorial Nature"

Kim Young-chun's 100,000 Won Disaster Relief Fund Pledge... People Power Party Says "Mocking Voting Rights with Money"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] In the Busan mayoral by-election, according to opinion polls, Park Hyung-jun, the candidate from the People Power Party, is maintaining a lead. The ruling party is focusing its attacks on Park's so-called six major allegations, including real estate issues, until the final moments, while seeking a turnaround with promises such as a disaster relief fund of 100,000 won.

Kim Young-chun, the Democratic Party candidate for Busan mayor, appeared on YTN Radio on the 6th and said, "If young voters turn out in large numbers, it will be relatively advantageous for the Democratic Party and Kim Young-chun." He added, "Initially, criticism of the government was very high. However, unlike Seoul, Busan's economic situation is very poor; in short, it can be called a city in crisis. I have felt a significant shift in public opinion toward a focus on who is the person capable of revitalizing Busan's economy."

Regarding candidate Park, he repeatedly criticized, "Every day, new allegations of corruption emerge, and the next one covers up the previous one." Kim is pledging the early completion of the Gadeok New Airport by 2029, along with a promise to provide 100,000 won worth of Busan local currency called 'Dongbaekjeon.'

The People Power Party continued its criticism of the so-called 'money populism.' Kim Sung-won, the party's floor deputy leader, said at the party's floor strategy meeting that day, "Following candidate Park Young-sun, candidate Kim Young-chun's 100,000 won pledge has reappeared," adding, "It is arrogant and vulgar to mock the sacred voting rights of citizens with money."

Meanwhile, candidate Park rebutted the allegations against him during a debate on KNN broadcast the previous day, saying, "They are continuously using a strategy to tarnish the image of the opposing candidate to gain an advantage. They do not hesitate even to engage in acts with a conspiratorial nature."

The People Power Party is also counterattacking by claiming that candidate Kim is involved in the Lime scandal. The People Power Party Busan Election Countermeasures Committee stated that day, "The illegal fund receipt case related to Kim's involvement with Lime Asset Management is likely to be transferred to the newly established High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (PCC), and Kim is now in a situation where he must undergo investigation by the PCC," adding, "If the charges are confirmed, there is a very high possibility of indictment with detention and even a prison sentence."

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