Gwangsan District Mayor Park Byungkyu Cleared of Illegal Party Member Recruitment Allegations

Supreme Council Rules "Not Guilty";
Final Decision to Be Made by Executive Committee
City Council Disciplinary Results Expected This Month

Park Byungkyu, Mayor of Gwangsan District in Gwangju, who had faced allegations of illegally recruiting party members ahead of the June 3 local elections, has reportedly been cleared of charges by the Supreme Council of the Democratic Party of Korea.

According to local political sources on January 7, the Supreme Council of the Democratic Party of Korea decided on this day that Mayor Park was "not guilty" regarding the allegations of illegal party membership recruitment.

Park Byungkyu, Mayor of Gwangsan District. Photo by Gwangsan District Office

Mayor Park had been under suspicion of involvement in illegal party member recruitment, such as registering false addresses, during the Democratic Party's comprehensive review of party membership recruitment. He underwent an explanation process before the Central Party's Ethics Tribunal, during which he reportedly clarified that he had not engaged in or been involved in any intentional illegal or unlawful activities related to the recruitment of party members.

This decision by the Supreme Council will be finalized at the upcoming Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting.

In relation to this, several local political figures said, "It is true that we have heard that Mayor Park has been cleared of the allegations," but added, "As far as we know, there has been no official notification from the Central Party." They further explained, "Whether someone is subject to disciplinary action or the outcome of such action is communicated only directly to the individual concerned."

A representative from Mayor Park's side stated, "We have not yet received any official notification of the results from the Central Party or any other relevant body," but added, "This matter is unrelated to the recent allegations of illegal party member recruitment, and we have provided sufficient explanation." They continued, "Once the final decision is confirmed, Mayor Park will personally make a statement as soon as he is notified."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is also proceeding with disciplinary procedures for other individuals, such as city council members, who have faced similar allegations of illegal party member recruitment. The results related to these cases are expected to be announced within this month.