The Reform Party said it would take stern action, saying Busan mayoral candidate Jeong I-han in the June 3 local elections, who is under investigation over suspicions of staging his own assault during a campaign, had already carried out a "trick withdrawal" from the party.
Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader of the Reform Party, wrote on Facebook on the 17th, "As the Reform Party's nomination committee chair, I feel deep responsibility with a devastated heart over the controversy and conduct of former candidate Jeong I-han, who has shown extremely irresponsible behavior such as a sudden withdrawal and cutting off contact," adding, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the public and party members due to this unfortunate matter."
Cheon continued, "Former candidate Jeong, to avoid the party's judgment and severe discipline for his wrongdoing, suddenly submitted a withdrawal form using the online system," criticizing it as "a cowardly 'trick withdrawal' that exploited the fact that, under the Political Parties Act, a withdrawal takes effect immediately."
Cheon went on to say the party would conduct its own investigation into the assault case. He wrote, "Separate from the investigative authorities' procedures, we will immediately launch an internal investigation," and "as soon as the facts are revealed, we will promptly proceed with a strong criminal complaint and a civil damages lawsuit seeking a massive amount."
He also said that once the facts are established, the supreme council will vote to permanently bar Jeong from rejoining the party.
Earlier, the Geumjeong Police Station in Busan was reported to be looking into the possibility that the incident in which Jeong claimed he was hit by a thrown drink during a campaign rally in April was staged.