Kim Jaemu, Gwangyang Mayor Candidate, Issues Statement Urging Restraint on Negative Campaigning

Jeong In-hwa's Side, "Fully Agree with the Call for a Fair Policy Competition"

Sincerely Reflecting on Past Mistakes... Need to Correct the Wrong Election Culture

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Kim Jae-mu, the Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Gwangyang, urged on the 24th, "Let's refrain from negative campaigning and engage in policy debates during the election."

In a statement released that day, Candidate Kim said, "As the election approaches, the opposing candidate's side is once again exaggerating my past criminal record and spreading malicious rumors."

He continued, "The frames imposed on me during the past two elections were overly exaggerated negatives, so I ask that they be restrained in this election. I sincerely reflect on my past record and apologize to the citizens."

In particular, he emphasized, "Candidate Jeong In-hwa's side proposed on April 30th in a statement, 'Regardless of party affiliation, the two candidates should engage in a sincere policy debate for regional development.' I fully agree with Candidate Jeong's proposal and have conducted my campaign accordingly."

He added, "Having endured harsh negative campaigning in previous elections, I will not respond to wrongful election culture that slanders the opposing candidate. I will focus solely on the future of Gwangyang and the happiness of its citizens." He also appealed, "Please correct the wrongful election culture that clouds the judgment of citizens, at least this time."

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr