Democratic Party Apologizes for 'Disciplinary Drill' Controversy at Gwangyang Rally

The Democratic Party has officially apologized after a scene resembling a 'prone push-ups' disciplinary drill was staged for candidates during a local election rally in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province.

At a Democratic Party rally for the local elections held on May 24 at the Ok-gok 5-day market in Gwangyang City, South Jeolla Province, a supporter grabbed the microphone and issued commands such as 'Attention, at ease, sit, stand, prone push-ups' to the candidates.

Kwon Hyang-yeop, the Democratic Party's regional committee chairman for Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, and Gurye B in South Jeolla Province, stated on the 25th, "I deeply apologize to the candidates and supporters who must have been flustered and uncomfortable at that moment." Kwon added that the supporter who exhibited the erratic behavior holds a position in the election committee and that she would petition the provincial party chapter for disciplinary action.

At the scene, Min Hyung-bae, a candidate for mayor of the integrated Gwangju-South Jeolla region, immediately apologized and attempted damage control, saying, "The person organizing just 'went overboard' a little. They tried to make it fun but went a bit too far. I am sorry."

The video of the incident has since been deleted. The camp of independent candidate Park Seong-hyun criticized the scene in a statement, saying it reflected "blind obedience and authoritarianism deeply ingrained in their subconscious regarding nomination power."