The Democratic Party of Korea has initiated an investigation through its Ethics Inspection Group regarding an allegation involving a party member, Kim Mo, from the Seoul City Council’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee. The allegation suggests that Kim used a religious group to support Kim Min-seok, the Prime Minister, in the party’s internal primaries for the upcoming local elections. The claims include that Kim Mo allegedly paid the party membership fees for 3,000 members of the religious organization, amounting to 1,800,000 KRW, to ensure their support for Kim Min-seok.
Representative Jin Jong-oh of the People Power Party held a press conference where he played recordings of conversations related to the allegations. According to the recordings, when asked about the legality of paying membership fees for others, Kim Mo stated it wouldn’t be a problem since he was paying from his personal funds. The recordings also suggested that directives were given to support Kim Min-seok in the primaries.
The People Power Party is urging a thorough investigation, suggesting a special probe if necessary, to reveal the truth behind these alleged practices. They are also considering filing charges for violating the Political Parties Act.
Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, emphasized the seriousness of the situation and demanded a clear explanation from the Democratic Party and Kim Min-seok, calling for accountability and resignation if the allegations prove true. In response, the Democratic Party has stated it will take disciplinary action should the investigation uncover any illegal activities, following a thorough review by their Ethics Inspection Group and the Seoul regional party office.