Jeonnam Muan·Yeongam·Shinan Electoral District, Three-Way Primary Among Seo Samsuk, Kim Taeseong, and Cheon Gyeongbae
Seo Samsuk Denies Property Increase Allegations as "Baseless Election Interference Plot"
Kim Taeseong's Older Sister Belong
With the 22nd National Assembly election scheduled for April 10, the Democratic Party of Korea primary is underway, and tensions among candidates in the Yeongam-Muan-Shinan electoral district are intensifying, leading to an overheated and chaotic situation.
Suspicions of asset increases, controversies over family members' party affiliations, and the breakdown of a previously discussed unification between two candidates excluding the incumbent have all emerged.
(From left) Seo Sam-seok, Kim Tae-seong, Cheon Gyeong-bae Democratic Party preliminary candidates for Yeongam, Muan, and Sinan electoral district
The Democratic Party primary in the Yeongam-Muan-Shinan electoral district is being contested by three candidates: incumbent Representative Seo Samsuk, Kim Taeseong, Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party Policy Committee, and Cheon Gyeongbae, Deputy Director of the Political Affairs Office of the Democratic Party's Party Leader's Office.
As the three candidates vigorously campaign, a recent local newspaper raised suspicions regarding Seo Samsuk's asset increase. It was claimed that despite having no other income for over six years, his assets increased by about 600 million KRW. This is unusual given that he ran in three consecutive elections?the 19th and 20th general elections and the 20th by-election?and faced lawsuits, circumstances under which his assets should have decreased rather than increased.
In response, candidate Seo stated, "The suspicions about my asset formation raised by internet media are not true at all," adding, "After resigning from the position of Muan County Governor, my wife, who was a public official, had a steady income, and after her retirement, severance pay and pension contributed to the increase in assets."
He also said, "This is groundless and a clear election interference operation. It is a typical smear campaign disguised as suspicion to harm a specific candidate," and added, "I will reveal the malicious intent behind this fake news with unclear sources and evidence."
He further criticized, saying, “If any illegal or unlawful activity is even slightly proven, I will leave politics. Instead of hiding behind anonymity and recklessly spreading baseless suspicions, it is a matter of respect to the residents to come forward openly and reveal the truth.”
Regarding candidate Kim Taeseong, controversy has arisen over his older sister being Kim Yongim, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council affiliated with the People Power Party, raising questions about his political identity.
Recently, some media pointed out this issue and criticized the Democratic Party's nomination management committee's decision as flawed.
In response, candidate Kim Taeseong said about the controversy over his sister's party affiliation, "Freedom of religion and politics is guaranteed by the Constitution, and rather, making this an issue is the real problem," adding, "After my military discharge, I started with the Democratic Party to support presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung. Does blocking my sister, who has taken religious vows, make any sense? And it shouldn't be blocked. I fully respect my sister's political activities."
He continued, "Politics is about different colors coming together to debate and reach consensus to serve the people," and praised, "I applaud her for securing many budgets and being very active as a People Power Party city council member in Gwangju."
Regarding allegations of "deliberate omission of sister's party affiliation," he dismissed them, saying, "Everyone who recommended me to the party knows this, and there is no section to fill this out on the application form, nor is it a reportable item."
Earlier, candidate Cheon Gyeongbae held a press conference, demanding a Democratic Party investigation, stating, "Candidates Kim Taeseong and Seo Samsuk are damaging the party's identity and honor."
He also said, "Kim's older sister has been a key official in the People Power Party's Gwangju branch and even acted as the face of candidate Yoon Seok-yeol in Gwangju. Due to concerns that this would negatively affect scoring or cause disadvantages related to party identity during the nomination committee and interviews, this was deliberately omitted. I reject Kim's proposal for unification."
He added, "Candidate Seo, without even registering as a preliminary candidate, is openly ranking party officials and elected officials, forcing participation in private organizations, and engaging in acts that promote party division," and claimed, "These candidates are damaging the party's identity and honor."
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