People Power Party's Jo Jiyeon Proposes Bill to Ban Disguised Political Fundraising Through Publication Events

People Power Party lawmaker Jo Jiyeon (representing Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province) on June 23 proposed a political reform bill aimed at blocking the fundraising of political funds through publication events.

The "Partial Amendment to the Public Official Election Act," proposed by Jo, prohibits the holding of publication events that involve gatherings or mass invitations for the sale of publications, events where admission fees or participation fees are charged, and publication events that convert publication sales profits into political donations. The bill stipulates that violations will be punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 4 million won. The simple publication of books is permitted, and the purchase of books both online and offline is allowed, but publication events that serve as a disguised means of political fundraising are banned.

People Power Party lawmaker Jo Jiyeon

This measure specifically prohibits publication events that serve as disguised means of political fundraising, while still permitting the publication of books and the purchase of books both online and offline.

In the past, publication events held by politicians have been criticized for functioning as channels for political fundraising, even though they were not subject to the Political Funds Act. There have been ongoing concerns that, under the guise of publication events, politicians collect admission or book purchase fees, or invite large groups in the form of gatherings to raise de facto political donations, thereby undermining transparency in political funding.

Jo Jiyeon stated, "Fundraising political funds through publication events is clearly an expedient act," and emphasized, "Through this amendment, I will do my best to secure transparency in political funding and to improve the system for political reform."

Meanwhile, Jo previously proposed the "Partial Amendment to the Act on the Assistants and Allowances of National Assembly Members," a political reform bill that includes a provision for the return of salaries if a lawmaker receives a sentence of imprisonment or higher, as her first pledge in the 22nd general election under the slogan "Giving up privileges of National Assembly members." She introduced this bill in February.