Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party released a recorded audio of the victim in a 31-year-old assault case involving Democratic Party of Korea Seoul mayoral candidate Chong Won-o. The recording contains audio saying, "There was absolutely no argument because of 5.18," and, "I did not receive an apology at the time, nor did I forgive." Joo said Chong has lost eligibility and should resign immediately.
On the 14th, Joo held a news conference at the National Assembly and released a transcript of a recorded conversation between the victim at the time of Chong's drunken assault case and an acquaintance. The audio Joo released contains the exchange, "Well, because of 5·18, somehow both sides got into a scuffle and assaulted each other. As I remember it, there was absolutely no such thing."
In Oct. 1995, when Chong was serving as secretary to the Yangcheon District Office chief, he was fined 3 million won on charges of assaulting a National Assembly lawmaker's aide, a person surnamed Lee, and police who responded to the scene after an argument at a cafe in Yangcheon District. Chong explained, "There was an assault due to differences of opinion about the May 18 Democratic Uprising."
Joo said, "The victim in question is the victim with whom the initial quarrel broke out at the bar," and "a person who was drinking at the table next to (Chong)," adding, "Why would there be a debate with the next table over 5·18?"
As for a question noting that there was no indication of an overnight stay request in media reports at the time, Joo said, "Back then, the person held a secretary-level position at the district office, so coverage may not have been sufficient," adding, "A district council member grasped the circumstances and questioned them at the district council; the contents remain specifically in the minutes."
Joo went on, "While a written judgment can be drafted based on parties' statements, the minutes contain specific situational explanations and Q&A," adding, "A district council member presented detailed circumstances in questioning, and the Yangcheon District Office chief at the time did not deny them and expressed an apology for the unfortunate incident, which makes it highly credible."
Joo also said, "Through this transcript, the victim likewise says there was no mention related to 5·18, which I see as further corroborating the minutes."
Joo added, "Chong must personally explain, and if there is no explanation, the candidate should step down." Joo also said, "We will consider contacting the victim."