Byungdo Han Criticizes "Ticket Scalping" at Talk Concert... Han Donghoon Responds, "The Real Business Is with the Democratic Party"

Democratic Party: "Ticket Sales Meant to Raise Political Funds"
Han Donghoon's Side: "Free Admission Could Lead to Illegal Donation Allegations"

Byungdo Han, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the paid talk concert by former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, calling it "ticket scalping." In response, Han's side immediately refuted the claim, leading to a heated exchange.

On the 29th of last month, when the People Power Party finalized the expulsion of former leader Han Donghoon, Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party, was leaving after delivering a statement at the National Assembly Communication Office.

On February 1, Floor Leader Han posted on his social media account, raising concerns about the seat pricing policy for the talk concert announced by Han Donghoon. He pointed out, "Han Donghoon plans to hold a talk concert with tiered seating: R seats at 79,000 won, S seats at 69,000 won, and A seats at 45,000 won." Han criticized the high ticket prices set according to seat grades, arguing that Han's political activities had devolved into commercial acts targeting his supporters. He strongly condemned the move, describing it as "a bizarre form of politics that ranks supporters by seat class, something I've never seen before," and said, "Politics, which should serve the people, has degenerated into a business venture."

Han also raised suspicions that the event might be intended as a means of raising political funds, stating, "A high-priced, tiered-seat talk concert is nothing more than 'ticket scalping' aimed at collecting political funds from supporters' pockets." He further commented on the internal situation within the People Power Party, saying, "While neglecting people's livelihoods, the party is preoccupied with power struggles, which is causing harm to the public."

He also mentioned potential legal issues. Han argued that if the event results in a surplus, it could constitute a violation of the Political Funds Act, and if it incurs a deficit, it could raise suspicions of illegal donations under the Public Official Election Act. He urged, "Stop putting price tags on politics."

Byungdo Han, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Policy Coordination Meeting held at the National Assembly on the 29th.

In response, Han Donghoon's side issued a notice explaining the revenue structure. They stated, "Han Donghoon does not take any profit from the talk concert," and clarified that all proceeds from ticket sales are used entirely for event operation costs, including venue rental, stage, lighting and sound setup, content production, and labor expenses. They added, "This was also the case for the talk concert held last December." They argued that making the event free or having Han personally cover the costs could actually create legal issues. The notice explained, "If Han Donghoon were to make the admission free or lower the price by covering the costs himself, it could constitute an illegal donation under the Public Official Election Act."

Han Donghoon also posted separately on social media to counter the Democratic Party's criticism. He emphasized that he does not take any profit from the event and argued that labeling the talk concert as a political business is unfair. He further stated, "The real political business is the Democratic Party's nomination bribery, such as the vending-machine-style nomination sales involving Kang Sunwoo, Kim Byungki, and Kim Kyung. Democratic Party Secretary-General Kim Minseok admitted at a hearing that he earned 160 million won in condolence money and 250 million won from a publication event."

It was reported that all tickets for the talk concert sold out in about an hour after reservations opened that morning.