Former Lawmaker Kim Kwang-jin's Involvement in Suncheon Mayor Primary... Controversy Over Breach of Neutrality Obligation

Central Party Public Communication Chairperson States Neutrality Obligation Specified in Democratic Party Regulations

[Suncheon=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Kim Kwang-jin, a former national assembly member who has come out in support of Oh Ha-geun, the Democratic Party's Suncheon mayoral preliminary candidate, is facing controversy over violating neutrality obligations.

On the 28th, according to reports from local media, since former assembly member Kim Kwang-jin serves as the head of the Democratic Party's Central Party Public Relations and Communication Committee, his declaration of support for candidate Oh Ha-geun is pointed out as a violation of party regulations regarding neutrality obligations.

The Democratic Party's Party Regulation No. 4 on Party Officer Election Regulations, Article 4 (Neutrality Obligation) states that election management committee chairpersons, election management committee members, central party and city/provincial party office staff, and others who must maintain neutrality shall not exercise undue influence on primaries or engage in acts affecting primary results.

On the 11th, Assemblyman Kim Kwang-jin announced on his Facebook, "Today, through the decision of the Emergency Committee, I was appointed as the head of the Central Party Public Relations and Communication Committee."

Some in the local political circles are voicing opinions that "the Central Party should immediately dismiss former assembly member Kim Kwang-jin," indicating that the neutrality obligation controversy is expected to escalate.

Regarding former assembly member Kim Kwang-jin's declaration of support for preliminary candidate Oh Ha-geun, citizen A said, "Candidate Oh Ha-geun was an initially disqualified candidate due to embezzlement charges," adding, "Nevertheless, the fact that he came out in support shows that former assembly member Kim lacks the basic awareness that party rules should not be ignored, which is disappointing."

Meanwhile, with Kim Kwang-jin, Oh Ha-geun, Noh Kwan-gyu, and Son Hun-mo joining forces, the Democratic Party primary for Suncheon mayor is becoming overheated and distorted.

Citizen B said, "Isn't this similar to the tricks and manipulative politics that candidate Noh Kwan-gyu criticized the day before?" and added, "Do Suncheon citizens have to follow just because someone in a high position says they support someone?"

Furthermore, netizens interpreted this as a preliminary battle ahead of the 2024 general election, with some reacting that Assemblyman So Byung-chul might have been betrayed.

Currently, former assembly member Kim Kwang-jin has deleted the post, and despite repeated calls for confirmation of his continued support, he has not been reachable.