The Democratic Party of Korea withheld a party-level decision on alleged illegal primaries for the Suncheon mayoral race in South Jeolla and the Jongno and Gangbuk district chief races in Seoul. The party said it will watch the progress of the investigation.
On the 30th, the Democratic Party held a closed Supreme Council meeting and received a report from the Ethics Inspection Team on alleged illegal primaries in three areas, but deferred any additional judgment. Chief spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun told reporters after the meeting, "Regarding the June 3 local elections, the party will continue to keep a close eye on the candidates for Suncheon mayor, Jongno district chief, and Gangbuk district chief."
Kang said, "We have internal investigative bodies such as the Ethics Inspection Team and the Reexamination Committee, but there are limits to their inquiries since they are not investigative authorities." Kang added, "The intent is to keep a close watch on the matter while observing the police investigation."
When asked whether there will be no conclusion before the police investigation, Kang said, "If definitive evidence emerges before then, things could change, but we have not yet secured clear evidence to reach a conclusion," adding, "We will keep watching."
Regarding the allegations tied to the Jongno district chief primary, including the release of closed-circuit (CC)TV footage and remarks related to cash and valuables, Kang said, "With the accused and the complainant offering conflicting claims, it is difficult to judge based on one side's assertions alone," adding, "We are approaching this cautiously."
The Democratic Party of Korea is conducting an inspection into allegations that Suncheon mayoral candidate Son Hun-mo received illegal political funds. In addition, Jongno district chief candidate Yoo Chan-jong faces allegations that cash was given to local residents, and Gangbuk district chief candidate Lee Seung-hoon is also under suspicion of having someone else pay for a meal.