Reform Party Leader Lee Jun-seok Apologizes to Busan Over Candidate's 'Staged Assault' Suspicion

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, has apologized to the citizens of Busan concerning suspicions surrounding former candidate Jeong Yi-han's alleged 'staged assault.' Meeting with reporters after a supreme council meeting on the 18th, Lee stated, "The circumstances of him declaring his retirement from politics via social media without notifying us and submitting his party withdrawal online are situations that inevitably require accountability." He added, "As this was a candidate nominated by the Reform Party, I feel immense responsibility."

He emphasized that the party would operate a fact-finding team and "strictly pursue the highest level of civil and criminal liability against former candidate Jeong based on the established facts." Currently, no further details beyond what has been reported have been uncovered.

This incident, where former candidate Jeong's alleged assault during a campaign event turned into a 'staged assault' suspicion, has led to the party's image being tarnished and facing calls for political accountability. Senior lawmaker Cheon Ha-ram also apologized for the same matter, expressing deep responsibility.

Former candidate Jeong claimed on April 27th to have been diagnosed with a concussion after being hit with a beverage cup during a campaign rally. However, the police have launched an investigation into the 'staged assault' suspicion and searched his election office to confirm the facts.