On June 1, as the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections approach, the Democratic Party has intensified its efforts to counter independent candidate Kim Kwan-young and Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party in Jeonbuk and Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. With the elections nearing, the party is mobilizing all resources to secure votes amid the rising momentum of progressive candidates.
The Democratic Party emphasized that Kim Kwan-young's portrayal as a victim shows no signs of ending, reiterating that the party leadership's decision to expel him was justified.
Spokesperson Han Min-soo stated in a briefing, "Kim has made statements suggesting that the party intentionally cut him off to promote candidate Lee Won-taek. If he spreads false information under the guise of victimhood, we will hold him legally accountable. How much more do we need to clarify? If there had been no illegal cash distribution, would there have been a reason to expel him?"
Cho Sung-rae, the party's secretary-general, warned during a press conference that the Jeonbuk gubernatorial election is a contest between the ruling party and independent candidates. He stated, "Wise voters will choose the ruling party candidate, and even if Kim Kwan-young wins, he will have to face a re-election."
Regarding Cho Kuk, who is in a tight race with candidate Kim Yong-nam in Pyeongtaek, Cho Sung-rae noted, "Kim Yong-nam has maintained his support despite the negative campaign from the Innovation Party. In fact, Democratic supporters in Pyeongtaek are rallying around Kim Yong-nam as the Democratic candidate."
He added, "Party members supporting Kim Yong-nam should also support this candidate. Both candidates are receiving full backing from the party."
Previously, on May 31, the Democratic Party had criticized both Kim Kwan-young and Cho Kuk, stating, "We cannot show leniency to someone who has been disciplined for illegal cash distribution," and urged Cho Kuk to compete under the name of the Innovation Party instead of hiding behind the Democratic Party's name.
In response, Lee Hae-min, secretary-general of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "As the election draws to a close, they are resorting to name-calling."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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