Independent Jinju Mayoral Candidate Gyu-il Jo Urges "Stop Political Schemes"

Strong Criticism of the People Power Party’s South Gyeongsang Provincial Committee
"I Will Not Hesitate to Take Legal Action"

Independent candidate Gyu-il Jo, a preliminary candidate for Jinju mayor, strongly objected to the People Power Party’s South Gyeongsang Provincial Committee's accusation against him and the exclusion from the nomination process, calling it a "vile political scheme."

On the 13th, Jo held a press briefing at the Jinju City Hall and issued a statement, saying, "There is a political conspiracy underway in Jinju aimed at politically destroying me, Gyu-il Jo," and added, "A shadow similar to the second Kim Daeup incident is looming."

He stated, "A candidate with overwhelming support from citizens was excluded from the primary based on unfounded suspicions," and added, "I have strong doubts about the unilateral process that proceeded without any fact-checking or sufficient opportunity for explanation."

He continued, "The reason I decided to run as an independent after being unfairly excluded from the nomination was because I believed that the citizens of Jinju would not remain silent in the face of injustice," criticizing, "The People Power Party’s South Gyeongsang Provincial Committee is disregarding the will of the citizens and is instead focused on political offensives."

Regarding the recently raised allegations of monetary demands, he clarified, "There is nothing in the released recording to indicate my involvement," and drew a line, saying, "It is nothing more than a politically motivated tip-off and scheme."

Jo also claimed, "I have received reports that additional revelations and fake news targeting me are currently being prepared," and added, "If the first scheme fails, there will be a second and third attempt to continue their smear campaign."

He further stated, "The South Gyeongsang Provincial Committee and related parties must immediately stop any further political schemes and slander," adding, "I will make sure to reveal who is behind all of this."

Jo criticized the People Power Party’s South Gyeongsang Provincial Committee nomination process as well, saying, "This was not an open nomination but a private selection," and argued, "The calculations and personal interests of a specific political faction have prevailed over the will of the citizens."

He also stated, "I will take legal action against those responsible, including some media outlets, for spreading false information and defamation," and declared, "I will take all necessary measures to protect the honor of both Jinju citizens and myself."

Finally, Jo emphasized, "This fight is not just about restoring my personal honor, but about establishing justice and democracy in Jinju," and declared, "I will fight to the end together with the citizens and achieve victory."