Cho Kuk Criticizes Ruling Party's Nomination Bribery Allegations: "President Kim Dae-jung, Who Introduced Local Autonomy, Would Be in Mourning"

Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, criticized the Democratic Party of Korea regarding allegations of accepting nomination bribes during the 2022 local elections, stating, "The late President Kim Dae-jung, who introduced local autonomy through a 13-day hunger strike, would be in mourning over this."

Yonhap News

On January 3, Leader Cho wrote on his Facebook page, "Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo, who was expelled from the Democratic Party, insisted on nominating Kim Kyung as the sole candidate for Seoul Metropolitan Council at the Seoul City Party Nomination Management Committee, and after Kim was elected, it was revealed that she sent messages supporting Kim for the position of floor leader in the city council."

Cho continued, "It is unclear whether the 100 million won allegedly provided by Councilwoman Kim has been returned or where it currently is. However, according to the recorded conversations between Kim Byungki and Kang Sunwoo, it appears that the 100 million won did reach Assemblywoman Kang's side. The price for the sole nomination for Seoul Metropolitan Council was 100 million won."

He added, "It has long been an open secret that in certain districts where a specific party has an advantage and nomination virtually guarantees election, the price for basic council nominations is provided to the local National Assembly member. There were even set prices for metropolitan and basic council members. I doubted such rumors, but this incident has now confirmed them."

He further stated, "Nomination bribes in local elections must be eradicated," and called it "an act that tarnishes the purpose of local autonomy, which is the foundation of democracy." Cho emphasized, "In regions where nomination equals election, there is no competition in the general election, so people will do anything to secure the nomination. After being elected, such individuals commit illegal and illicit acts to recoup their 'investment.' This incident should serve as an opportunity for thorough investigation and punishment of nomination bribes, regardless of party affiliation. I urge investigative authorities to take action."

Leader Cho also stressed the need to expand the multi-member constituency system to three or more members. He said, "The current system, which forces metropolitan and basic council candidates to line up behind National Assembly members instead of serving local residents, must be changed. As Lee Jaemyung, then-mayor of Seongnam, emphasized in 2018, the starting point is the abolition of the two-member constituency system and the expansion of the multi-member constituency system to three or more members."

He continued, "Currently, in some regions, both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party are colluding to split multi-member constituencies and increase the number of two-member elections. I urge you once again: the Democratic Party should not make a choice that goes against Mayor Lee Jaemyung's appeal in 2018."