Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 7th ordered an emergency inspection in connection with allegations that Rep. Lee Won-taek, a preliminary candidate for North Jeolla governor, had someone else pick up his meal tab.
The Democratic Party said in a notice that "given media reports about Lee Won-taek, the North Jeolla governor candidate, Leader Jung ordered the Ethics Inspection Team to conduct an emergency inspection."
Earlier, one outlet raised suspicions to the effect that "at an event in November last year, there were indications that a third party covered the high meal charge and alcohol expense instead of the lawmaker paying directly."
Through a statement, the lawmaker said, "This is a clear publication of false information. A complaint has been filed," adding, "The occasion was a policy roundtable at the request of young people. I personally paid for my meal expense."