Kim Won, Preliminary Candidate: "Double Voting Manipulation is a Clear Election Crime"

Release of Recording of Woman Claiming to Be Volunteer for Candidate Bae Jong-ho Sparks Controversy

The Democratic Party's Mokpo primary, contested as a quantum duel, is causing a stir after a recording was released in which a woman claiming to be a volunteer for preliminary candidate Bae Jong-ho encouraged dual voting among party members over the phone.

On the 7th, Kim Won-i, a preliminary candidate for the Democratic Party in Mokpo, called the dual voting manipulation a clear election crime and urged a thorough investigation.

At a press conference held at the Mokpo City Council that morning, Candidate Kim pointed out, "The dual voting manipulation is a serious crime that could lead to disqualification even if elected, and it is a clear challenge to the Democratic Party's system nomination."

Democratic Party Mokpo candidate Kim Won-i is holding an urgent press conference.
[Photo by Kim Won-i's campaign office]

He emphasized, "Just three days before the primary, there is evidence that Candidate Bae Jong-ho's side is carrying out organized and widespread dual voting manipulation during the primary," adding, "Dual voting manipulation is a serious crime that could lead to disqualification even if elected."

Candidate Kim said he secured recordings containing evidence of four cases of dual voting manipulation and revealed part of the phone conversations at the press conference.

In the recording, a woman identifies herself by saying, "I am helping Candidate Bae Jong-ho," then explains the party member voting process to the party member and encourages dual voting by saying, "If there is another public opinion poll, they might ask if you are a party member again. At that time, you have to say no to be able to vote."

He also explained, "There is evidence that Candidate Bae Jong-ho encouraged dual voting to attendees at a meeting on the 27th of last month," and added, "On the 5th, reports were filed with the Mokpo City Election Commission and the Democratic Party Election Commission against Candidate Bae Jong-ho and his campaign workers for violating the Public Official Election Act."

Candidate Kim stated, "These facts suggest organized and widespread dual voting manipulation," and called for "an immediate investigation by judicial authorities."

Finally, he strongly demanded the Mokpo City Election Commission and the police to "immediately and thoroughly investigate this clear violation of the Public Official Election Act that fundamentally obstructs party primary voting and distorts the will of the Mokpo citizens."

Regarding the dual voting inducement by Candidate Bae Jong-ho's side, the Mokpo police have also started an investigation after receiving an anonymous complaint.