Kim Says, "I Only Asked About Rumors Circulating in the Area"
Park Sunhwa, a member of the Buyeo County Council, is filing a complaint against Kim Giseo, a member of the Chungnam Provincial Assembly, on charges of defamation and holding a press conference. / Buyeo - Photo by Lee Byungryul
Park Sunhwa and Jang Somi, members of the Buyeo County Council from the People Power Party, have filed a police complaint against a Chungnam Provincial Council member, who serves as the chief election campaign manager for Democratic Party candidate Park Soo-hyun, on charges of spreading false information and defamation under the Public Official Election Act.
On April 9, the council members held a press conference in the briefing room of Buyeo County Office, stating, "We have filed a police complaint against Kim Giseo, a Democratic member of the Chungnam Provincial Council, for spreading unverified false information to an unspecified number of voters in connection with this general election."
Park stated, "On March 29, at an office located in Dongnam-ri, Buyeo County, Kim spread unverified false information to the secretary of Cho Gilyeon, the chair of the Chungnam Provincial Council, claiming that I spent 100 million won on the current National Assembly election for Chung Jinseok."
Jang added, "During a media interview on April 7, Kim asked whether it was true that Park spent 100 million won and Jang Somi spent 50 million won, which is clearly false information."
In response, Kim told Asia Economy via text message, "I simply asked the chair's driver-secretary about rumors circulating in the area. I find it absurd that they would file a complaint and even hold a press conference over something like this. If the contents of the press conference are reported in the media, people will wonder if there is smoke without fire. I think this will only raise more suspicions among the public. A thorough investigation is needed."
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