Kim Won-i and Park Hong-ryul Accused of Central Party Expulsion in TV Debate... "Not True"

Kim, Will Take All Possible Legal Actions If Repeated Without Official Apology

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeong Seunghyun] Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Won-i has strongly refuted the allegations of "party expulsion of Mokpo mayoral candidate Park Hong-ryul," stating that it is "clearly not true."

On the 26th, Representative Kim stated in a press release, "In the TV debate for Mokpo mayoral candidates held yesterday (the 25th), candidate Park mentioned the names of Yoon Ho-jung, the Democratic Party Emergency Committee Chairman, Representative Ahn Kyu-baek, and myself, implying that there was suspicion surrounding his expulsion process."

He continued, "Candidate Park Hong-ryul's claims are clearly not true," and warned, "Candidate Park must take responsibility for his remarks. I demand an immediate official apology."

He also asserted, "I will never tolerate the current situation where false information is spread and defamation occurs repeatedly," adding, "If such behavior continues without an official apology, I will respond with all possible legal measures."

Meanwhile, during the Mokpo mayoral debate broadcast on the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections candidate debate by kbc Gwangju Broadcasting, candidate Park stated, "I am not a political opportunist. The Democratic Party expelled me. I heard suspicions that Representative Ahn Kyu-baek and Representative Kim Won-i met with Emergency Committee Chairman Yoon Ho-jung to expel me," causing significant turmoil within the party.