The People Power Party's Committee on Party Affairs announced on the 27th that there had been no expenditure associated with the controversy over the replacement of candidate Han Duck-soo that arose during the last presidential election. However, it noted that the minutes from the emergency countermeasure committee meeting held early on May 10, when the decision to replace the candidate was made, have still not been received.
Chairperson Yoo Il-jun held a mid-briefing on the audit regarding the attempt to replace presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo at the Party's central office in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "It has been confirmed that there was no budget allocated or pursued by the Party for candidate Han Duck-soo," adding that "practical support such as studio reservations was provided, but all related expenses were borne by Han's side."
Regarding the claim that "election campaign uniforms with Han Duck-soo's name printed on them were produced," it was also stated that "it has been confirmed that this is not true."
The committee has also confirmed that former Prime Minister Han submitted candidate registration documents through an agent on May 10. Chairperson Yoo stated, "There were claims that Han paid only 10,000 won in party fees, but in reality, he paid a total of 10.9 million won, including a deposit of 100 million won and an annual party fee of 9 million won."
The minutes of the emergency countermeasure committee have still not been received. Chairperson Yoo noted, "I have finished listening to the opinions of party members, including Secretary-General Lee Yang-soo and Chairperson Kim Yong-tae, but since memories differ, I requested materials from the Secretariat to clarify the overall context, but they have expressed reluctance to provide them," adding, "I am trying to submit them with permission from the chairperson or the floor leader, but I have heard there has been no response."
He indicated, "The materials requested from the Secretariat are important documents that reveal the results of discussions during that meeting," and stated, "After confirming the materials and understanding the contents, I plan to meet with former floor leader Kweon Seong-dong and former chairperson Kwon Young-se to conclude this investigation."
Regarding the situation where the secretariat is not submitting the materials, it was added that "there are regulations that could impose sanctions if cooperation is not provided, depending on the case."
The People Power Party officially initiated an audit regarding the issue of attempting to replace the candidate Kim Moon-soo, who was elected through a primary, with independent candidate Han Duck-soo on the 11th.
This mid-briefing was the first conducted by the Committee on Party Affairs since its establishment. Chairperson Yoo stated, "After discussion with the commissioners, it was deemed necessary to hold an interim report to clarify the facts."