Ahn Cheol-soo: "The Process of Unifying Seoul Mayoral Candidates Must Be Thoroughly Investigated"

"Cannot Avoid Violation of Political Funds Act" Sharp Criticism
"Respect Unification Result but Emphasize Need to Reveal Illegality"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is under pressure amid allegations of 'money transactions with close aides' involving Myung Tae-gyun, who has been acting as a poll broker targeting key figures in the ruling party. Meanwhile, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party (former People's Party Seoul mayoral candidate) who lost the 2021 Seoul mayoral opposition primary, also criticized the current situation. On the 1st, Ahn posted on his Facebook, "It is said that a close associate of Mayor Oh Se-hoon handed money to Myung Tae-gyun under the name of opinion polling before and after the 2021 Seoul mayoral candidate unification," adding, "Although the Oh Se-hoon campaign claims to be unaware of this, it cannot avoid controversy over violations of the Political Funds Act and the Public Official Election Act."

He continued, "At the time, I respected the results of the Seoul mayoral candidate unification," but emphasized, "However, since there was testimony that Myung Tae-gyun manipulated poll results during the last presidential election, it is necessary to thoroughly investigate whether any illegal activities occurred during the Seoul mayoral candidate unification process as well." He added, "Especially since poll manipulation is a serious crime that destroys democracy, the matter must be addressed," and stressed, "A thorough investigation must be conducted to determine whether the numerous polls conducted by Chairman Kim, a supporter of Mayor Oh, to help a specific candidate can be considered a legitimate part of election campaigning, and whether the source of funds complied with the Political Funds Act and the Public Official Election Act."

Finally, Ahn stated, "If it is confirmed that the polls were conducted with illegal funds or had an inappropriate influence on the election process, this will be regarded as a serious issue that severely undermines the principles of democracy," adding, "For the transparency and fairness of South Korean politics, a thorough investigation by the prosecution is necessary to uncover the truth regarding this matter."

Earlier, allegations were raised that Myung Tae-gyun, the person involved in the 'Kim Geon-hee's nomination interference suspicion,' also intervened in the 2021 Seoul mayoral candidate unification process. It is alleged that a businessman supporting Mayor Oh deposited 33 million won into the account of Kim Young-sun, a former lawmaker's accounting manager, around the time of the unification. In response, Mayor Oh stated, "I assume the businessman did so thinking it would help me," and clarified, "I have never commissioned Myung or received poll results from him."