People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jae-seop raised additional suspicions about Democratic Party of Korea Seoul mayoral candidate Chong Won-o's assault case from 31 years ago. Chong has explained that the altercation stemmed from differing views on the May 18 pro-democracy uprising, but Kim said the dispute arose over a female employee's overnight leave, criticizing that Chong gave a "false explanation."
On the morning of the 13th, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly communication center and disclosed the 1995 Yangcheon District Council stenographic record from the time of Chong's drunken assault case. In Oct. 1995, while working as secretary to the Yangcheon district chief, Chong was fined 3 million won on charges of assaulting a National Assembly aide surnamed Lee—after arguing with Lee at a cafe in Sinjeong-dong, Yangcheon District—and assaulting police officers who responded to the scene.
Citing the council transcript, Kim said, "Chong's assault had nothing to do with the May 18 pro-democracy uprising," calling it a "filthy 'drunken violence' case."
The transcript contains then-council member Jang Haeng-il questioning then–district chief Yang Jae-ho about the case. Jang said, "After the chief of staff and a secretary—who should have served as the district chief's hands and feet—drank about 150,000 won worth of alcohol at a cafe, they demanded from the cafe owner an overnight stay with a female employee, but the owner refused. Then the chief of staff and the secretary threatened the owner, saying things like 'Are you going to keep running your business like this,' and while they were arguing, a customer at the next table, who said he was an aide to a certain lawmaker, tried to stop them, whereupon they assaulted him, causing an injury that required two weeks of treatment."
Jang added, "When two police officers rushed over after a 112 report and tried to stop them, Chief of Staff Kim and Secretary Chong used violence," and "Secretary Chong engaged in self-harm on the spot and obstructed the police in the execution of their duties, while Kim ran about 50 meters before being caught."
Referring to this part, Kim said, "Has Chong repeatedly given the public a false explanation about his past assault conviction," and added, "Even now, Chong should explain his assault record honestly before the public."
In response, Chong's camp issued a position calling it a "one-sided claim that is not true." Chong's election committee released a statement saying, "The ruling in the case at the time states, 'While seated together with the victim, a person surnamed Lee who was an aide to a lawmaker belonging to the Democratic Liberal Party, they discussed political matters, and as their factions differed, voices were raised and a quarrel ensued, whereupon they punched and kicked the victim's face several times,' among other findings."
Chong's side continued, "Also, immediately after the incident, the media reported the fact that there was an 'assault on the victim during an argument over the June 27 election and the issue of punishing those related to May 18,'" adding, "The media reports at the time reflected interviews with both sides and investigative authorities and can be said to accord with the facts. Lawmaker Kim Jae-seop's claim is merely a one-sided assertion that includes only the Democratic Liberal Party's side at the time."
A Democratic Party official told reporters that day, "The party takes this very seriously," adding, "We are considering filing a complaint at the party level."