Won Hee-ryong: "Kim Hye-kyung 'Excessive Protocol' Controversy? Only 3 Days Out of 8 Months"

"Not Excessive Protocol but Illegal Protocol and Power Abuse Protocol"

Won Hee-ryong, head of the Policy Headquarters of the People Power Party's Election Countermeasures Headquarters, criticized Kim Hye-kyung, wife of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, over allegations of 'excessive protocol.'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Won Hee-ryong, head of the policy headquarters of the People Power Party's election campaign, claimed that the "whistleblower only released about three days' worth out of eight months of (recordings)" regarding allegations of "excessive protocol" involving Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate.

On the 3rd, Won appeared on CBS Radio's 'Hanpanseungbu' and said, "The term 'excessive protocol' itself is wrong," adding, "Even if a public official temporarily performs tasks for the governor's wife, that is a violation of duties, but they even assigned a dedicated secretary for that. The protocol itself is illegal. It is not excessive protocol but illegal protocol and power harassment protocol," fiercely criticizing the issue.

Won pointed at candidate Lee, saying, "What fault does Mr. Bae, a former public official reportedly ordering the excessive protocol, have? He just did as he was told. Illegal appointment of secretaries, illegal assignment of secretary duties, then giving cards to replace everything and even going to get medication for menopause on her behalf," he pointed out.

Won further stated, "The entire controversy was caused by the governor (candidate Lee Jae-myung) and his wife (Kim Hye-kyung), so why would the staff's actions cause concern? This is a complete dissociation from reality," adding, "They exclude the main culprits and say they will audit the subordinates for failing to supervise errands? What kind of audit is that?"

Meanwhile, Won referred to Mr. A, who reported the allegations against Kim, as a "whistleblower," saying, "The recordings made over eight months are being released one by one and the issue is exploding now. There is still a long way to go," and claimed, "We don't know what might be in the remaining eight months of recordings and captures."

On the same day, candidate Lee issued a statement apologizing for the allegations involving his spouse Kim. Lee said, "I apologize for causing concern due to the actions of an employee who worked during my tenure in Gyeonggi Province," adding, "As governor, I failed to thoroughly check whether there was any misconduct by employees, and my spouse also failed to detect and prevent potentially problematic matters in advance. Taking this opportunity, I and my family and those around me will think and act more carefully."

Lee also stated, "Some media outlets have raised suspicions about inappropriate use of Gyeonggi Province corporate cards," and added, "I hope auditing agencies thoroughly investigate whether there was any improper use of corporate cards during my tenure as governor, including the reported matters, and reveal the truth. If problems are found, I will take responsibility according to regulations."

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