Jin-tae Kim, "Comply with Investigation as It Violates Statutory Law"... Lee Jae-myung's Eldest Son Denounced for 'Habitual Gambling Offense'

Jin Tae Kim, "No Exceptions Just Because He Is the Presidential Candidate's Son"
Jae Myung Lee, "The Person Who Posted on the Card Game Site Is Indeed My Son"

Kim Jin-tae of the People Power Party, Chairman of the 'Lee Jae-myung Corruption National Verification Special Committee' [Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Kim Jin-tae, chairman of the People Power Party's 'Lee Jae-myung Corruption National Verification Special Committee' (Chuncheon Gap Party Committee Chairman), sharply criticized Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, for quickly apologizing for the illegal gambling activities of his eldest son, Lee (29), from 2019 to 2020, saying, "He should undergo investigation."

On the 16th, through SNS, Chairman Kim stated, "It seems that candidate Lee Jae-myung's son was habitually involved in illegal gambling. Although the father apologized promptly, this is not something that can be overlooked with just an apology. Children cannot be controlled at will, but this is a violation of criminal law," he pointed out.

He continued, citing media reports, "Lee's son reportedly gambled for several years, moving between various gaming establishments in Gangnam, Sinchon, Wangsimni, Sillim, and Bundang," adding, "This involves illegal gambling such as 'Toto sites' and 'Powerball' with daily stakes reaching 14 million won. It could constitute habitual gambling offenses and violations of the National Sports Promotion Act (prohibition of similar acts)."

Chairman Kim also criticized, "Based on my past experience cracking down on the 'Bada Story' gambling establishments, the first step is to crack down on illegal gambling operators, but customers who engaged in illegal gambling are also punished depending on the severity of the case. There can be no exceptions just because he is the son of a presidential candidate."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, bows his head after apologizing for his son's gambling allegations following the launch ceremony of the Social Transition Committee held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

In particular, he directly attacked Lee's changing and reversing statements, saying, "Some might say, 'He apologized, so I thought he was truly remorseful.'"

Earlier, on the 3rd, during a conversation with young people in the Jeonbuk region, Lee said, "Our respected former President Park Geun-hye went to (Daegu) Seomun Market when she was having a hard time as president," but four days later (on the 7th), during a lecture at Seoul National University, he reversed himself, saying, "When I said 'respected President Park Geun-hye,' people thought I truly respected her."

Regarding his eldest son's habitual illegal gambling, Lee also stated that day, "The person who joined the card game site mentioned in the media reports and posted there is indeed my son," and "I apologize for my son's wrongdoing."

In response, Chairman Kim pressured, "If he is truly remorseful, he should turn himself in to the judicial authorities and fully cooperate with a thorough investigation."

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