In response to the results of the Democratic Party's primary for the Jeonbuk governor race, independent candidate Kim Kwan-young's camp criticized the leadership of Jeong Cheong-rae on May 28, stating that their negative tactics resemble a low-quality drama. The Democratic Party has retaliated by labeling Kim as someone who was expelled for allegations of cash distribution, intensifying the conflict between the two sides.
Kim's election campaign committee released a statement claiming, "The negative tactics of Jeong Cheong-rae's leadership, in an attempt to counter the Kim Kwan-young surge, evoke images of a low-quality drama that cannot be tolerated. It is not too late to reflect on why the public sentiment in Jeonbuk is shifting against the ruling party."
They further asserted, "The slander and distortion tactics employed by Jeong Cheong-rae's leadership have reached an intolerable level. The individuals responsible for turning this election into a mudslinging contest are the candidates like Lee Won-taek, who were accused of colluding with insurrectionists, along with Jeong Cheong-rae's leadership."
Regarding recent speculation about prior communication between Kim and President Lee Jae-myung, the committee stated, "Kim has never claimed to have spoken with the president. We question who is manipulating the situation by dragging the president into the election."
In response, the Democratic Party issued sharp remarks through spokesperson Han Min-soo and Secretary-General Jo Seung-rae.
Spokesperson Han stated, "The act of cash distribution committed by Kim is a serious violation that cannot simply disappear. It is time to stop gambling the future of Jeonbuk on Kim's political maneuvers. Apologizing and resigning today would be the right thing to do for the people of Jeonbuk."
Secretary-General Jo also addressed reporters in the National Assembly, asserting, "Kim is a person who was expelled by the Democratic Party for distributing cash. He continues to act as if he is a political victim while rationalizing his independent candidacy by leveraging President Lee."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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