Lee Jun-seok, Park Hyung-joon sides acknowledge contact… interpretations differ

Facts have emerged regarding contact between the camp of Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, and the camp of Park Hyung-joon, the People Power Party's Busan mayoral candidate, aimed at unifying opposition candidates during the local elections. The two sides are offering conflicting interpretations regarding the nature of the proposal.

A key aide to Park Hyung-joon, referred to as Mr. A, met with Jeong Yi-han, the former Reform Party Busan mayoral candidate, 2-3 times in May. Mr. A explained that during a meeting on May 17, former candidate Jeong mentioned stepping down, citing the need to prevent a split in the conservative camp. Mr. A also revealed that he met with Cheon Ha-ram, the Reform Party's floor leader, for about 20-30 minutes at the end of May. Mr. A rebutted claims that specific positions or posts were promised, stating they only discussed policy cooperation, such as incorporating the Reform Party's youth policies into the Busan city administration.

Contrary to this, Representative Lee Jun-seok stated that he understands there was a proposal from Mayor Park's side regarding the role former candidate Jeong would play during the unification process. Representative Lee revealed that he was aware that a certain figure from candidate Park's campaign had contacted former candidate Jeong on May 17.

Article 232 of the Public Official Election Act stipulates penalties for offering or promising public or private office or property interests with the purpose of causing a candidate to withdraw, among other things. The legal community stated that unless it is proven that a specific position was concretely promised in exchange for withdrawal, it is difficult to find illegality under the Public Official Election Act for mere discussions on policy cooperation or roles. People Power Party Rep. Joo Jin-woo pointed out that it does not violate the Public Official Election Act unless a written pledge specifying a particular position is signed.

Rep. Joo Jin-woo claimed that the police formally booked Jeong Yi-han on May 19 but delayed handling the case with the prosecution until after the election. Jeong Yi-han underwent police questioning on May 18 and cut off contact on May 19.