Han Byungdo, Running for Floor Leader, Calls for Full Investigation into Nomination Bribe Allegations and Strong Disciplinary Action

Han Byungdo Runs in Democratic Party Floor Leader By-Election
On Nomination Bribe Allegations: "A Full Investigation Is Needed"
"Must Demonstrate a Determination to Take Strict Action, Even If There Are Limitations"

Han Byungdo, a member of the Democratic Party running in the by-election for the party's floor leader, stated that "a full investigation should also be conducted" regarding allegations of receiving nomination bribes within the party. In an interview on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show" on January 9, Han said, "There may be questions about its effectiveness," but added, "It could serve as a message that such things (nomination bribes) should not even be considered."

Han Byungdo, a member of the Democratic Party running for the party's floor leader by-election, stated that "a full investigation should also be conducted" regarding allegations of receiving nomination bribes from the party. Photo by The Asia Business Daily Database

Han further stated, "Although there are limitations to a full investigation, the party must demonstrate, in various ways, its commitment to doing everything possible and taking strict action on this issue." He emphasized, "To ensure that such suspicions never arise again, the party must immediately make efforts such as candidate education." He added, "Paying money to receive a nomination is something very unfamiliar to me as a member of the Democratic Party. While it was a routine occurrence prior to the 17th National Assembly, it was cut off as a result of revolutionary changes after former President Roh Moo-hyun. It is embarrassing that it has become a controversy again."

However, regarding the People Power Party's call for a special prosecutor to investigate Kim Byungki and Kang Sunwoo, both implicated in the nomination bribe allegations, Han said, "The police are conducting a comprehensive and rapid investigation, so I hope we can wait for the results of the investigation."

This view differs significantly from that of Jung Chungrae, leader of the Democratic Party, who emphasized that this is a 'human error' and an individual lawmaker's issue. In an interview on the YouTube channel "Kim Eo-jun's Humility is Power News Factory" on January 6, Jung said, in response to a question about whether a full investigation into past nominations or the introduction of a new system would be conducted, "The only way is to completely root out and fundamentally block such things (nomination bribes) from taking hold." He added, "I have immediately decided to create a 'Clean Election Secret Inspector Team' and yesterday appointed Assemblyman Lee Sang-sik, a former police officer, as its head." It is known that Jung did not specifically mention a full investigation.

Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, said regarding the party's 'nomination donation' allegations, "This incident is closer to a human error than a system error."

Jung stated, "Since President Roh Moo-hyun introduced the primary system during the 17th National Assembly in 2004, nomination irregularities have significantly diminished compared to the past." He added, "This incident is closer to a human error than a system error." He continued, "I was also quite embarrassed and wondered if such a thing could really happen. It was not something that could have been anticipated or prepared for."

Meanwhile, among the four candidates for the floor leader by-election, Han Byungdo, Jin Sungjoon, and Baek Hyeryeon all agreed that former floor leader Kim Byungki should voluntarily leave the party. During a JTBC debate on January 8, when asked whether they thought Kim should voluntarily leave the party, they all answered 'yes.' Jin said, "Kim Byungki stated, 'Even if I am expelled, I will not voluntarily leave,' which I believe expresses both his sense of injustice and his affection for the party. Since he began his political career in the party and served as a member of the leadership, he must love the party. Therefore, I hope he will make a decision for the party first, out of party loyalty."

Baek said, "Although there may be aspects of injustice for former floor leader Kim, the suspicions are growing by the day and the party is in crisis. In such times, a spirit of prioritizing the party over oneself is necessary." Han commented, "Due to the recent issues, there is great concern from many citizens and party members. Having served as floor leader, I believe he should take responsibility for the concerns and questions raised by the public and party members by leaving the party, and then work to uncover the truth." On the other hand, Park Jung stated, "It would be good if he voluntarily left, but I believe the democratic process is to listen to his explanation, have the official Ethics Committee make a judgment, and impose strict punishment if necessary."

Regarding a full investigation, Park said, "We must be cautious, as it could create a divisive frame that casts suspicion on the entire party," distancing himself from the idea. Jin and Baek also said, "It is realistically impossible."