The Democratic Party of Korea’s Supreme Council has approved the reinstatement of former party leader Song Young-gil.
Today (27th), Chief Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun spoke with reporters at the National Assembly, stating, “In the closed morning Supreme Council meeting, the reinstatement review results from the Central Party’s Membership Qualification Review Committee were approved.” He added, “Song, as a reinstatement candidate requested by the party, is allowed to return.”
Previously, in April 2023, Song had left the party amid suspicions related to “cash envelope allegations at the party convention,” stating, “I will take full responsibility to overcome numerous allegations and controversies.”
After being sentenced to two years in prison at the first trial and taken into custody, the appeals court overturned the original verdict on the 13th and acquitted Song.
Having resolved the legal risks, Song submitted an application for reinstatement to the Incheon City branch of the Democratic Party on the 20th.
Upon the decision of his reinstatement, Song posted on Facebook, stating, “The past time has been long and harsh. Returning to the arms of the Democratic Party, with which I’ve been for 30 years, is both a joy and a greater responsibility.”
Song has also expressed his intention to run for the Incheon Gyeyang district in the by-elections for the National Assembly, held simultaneously with the June 3 local elections.
On YTN Radio’s ‘Kim Young-soo’s The Interview,’ Song reiterated his intention to run, stating, “Returning to the National Assembly, where I originated, is the most necessary thing to help the party and the Lee Jae-myung government.”
He further added, “Politics is about gaining trust from the public. Anyone has the right to run for election and the freedom to challenge,” indicating that he trusts the party leadership to make a well-judged decision, regardless of whether he becomes a member of the National Assembly.