Jang Dong-hyuk: "Regarding Jeong Woo-taek's Money Envelope Allegation, I Am Ready to Make a Decision If There Is an Objective Result"

Jang Dong-hyeok, Secretary General of the People Power Party, said on the 8th regarding Jeong Woo-taek, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from the People Power Party who is embroiled in a controversy over receiving money envelopes, "We are ready to make a decision once objective results are revealed." This implies that the nomination of Jeong Woo-taek for Cheongju Sangdang District, which he recently received, could be canceled.

On the same day, Jang met with reporters at the party headquarters and said about the allegations related to the Deputy Speaker, "We are seriously examining the matter," adding, "If it does not meet the public’s expectations and objective evidence emerges, we are prepared to make a decisive move without mercy, just like in Miryang." This refers to the previous withdrawal of nominations given to former Miryang Mayor Park Il-ho for Miryang City, Uiryeong County, Haman County, and Changnyeong County.

Jang Dong-hyeok, Secretary General and Nomination Committee Member of the People Power Party, is giving a greeting at the first Nomination Committee meeting held on the afternoon of the 16th at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

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However, he also said, "When we make different decisions regarding confirmed candidates, we must also undergo legal judgment," and "If there is no objective basis, the Central Election Committee is an institution, and its decisions will inevitably be subject to court rulings." This means that at the stage where nominations have already been decided, cancellation of nominations must be carefully considered.

Regarding Do Tae-woo, the People Power Party candidate for Daegu Jung-gu and Nam-gu, who is causing controversy for reportedly making remarks about the May 18 North Korean intervention theory, Jang said, "We will closely examine whether he still maintains such a stance." However, he added, "Having lived nearly 50 years, it is difficult to anticipate all aspects of life when becoming a public office candidate versus not being one," and "I think various situations can arise as one acts accordingly at each moment."

Meanwhile, concerning the reassignment of Representative Yoo Kyung-jun, who was cut off from the nomination for Gangnam-gu B in Seoul, to another district, Jang said, "There were some misunderstandings about the party’s position, but the stance has changed," and "I think there is room for sufficient consideration on such matters."

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