[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Amid the controversy over allegations of ‘cash bribery’ by a specific candidate’s camp in the Damyang County Governor election, candidate Lee Byeongno has issued a statement and called for a public apology to the residents.
Lee Byeongno, the Democratic Party candidate for Damyang County Governor, released a statement on the 27th saying, “On the 26th, a day before early voting, a campaign worker for candidate B was urgently arrested while attempting to distribute cash envelopes containing tens of millions of won using a vehicle,” and added, “The candidate in question must clearly clarify their position on this matter and apologize to the residents.”
According to media reports related to the incident on the same day, about 12 million won in cash was found in the vehicle of candidate B’s campaign worker, including around 40 envelopes each containing 150,000 won, along with the candidate’s campaign materials, outerwear, and business cards.
Candidate Lee emphasized, “Although the investigation authorities will clarify the facts, prior to that, the candidate must honestly and thoroughly explain the details of this incident to the residents, sincerely apologize, and take legal and political responsibility.”
He continued, “If the candidate persists in denial or ignorance despite the clear circumstances of this incident, they will not escape the severe judgment of the residents in the June 1 local elections.”
He also said, “The candidate had previously promised to prioritize ‘integrity and honesty’ and to be a county governor who actively communicates with the residents, but was ‘cash bribery’ their top priority?”
Furthermore, he added, “We cannot entrust the future of Damyang and the happiness of its residents to a candidate who is willing to commit any illegal or unlawful acts solely for election victory without regard for Damyang’s future.”
He also stated, “The old-fashioned politics of Damyang, tainted by impure political forces that turn an important election?meant to be a platform for residents’ unity?into a dirty election, has surfaced once again,” and appealed, “In this local election, please exercise your precious rights so that together with me, Lee Byeongno, we can definitely end old-fashioned politics and open a new Damyang.”
Candidate Lee concluded, “I reject any illegal or unlawful election activities that block the eyes and ears of the residents, and I will do my best during the remaining election period to ensure a clean election, a policy-based election, and a hopeful election for the future of Damyang.”
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