[Anchor]
Leading candidates in the race for governor of North Jeolla Province have been hit by a string of allegations as the election approaches.
Rep. Lee Won-taek has publicly denied accusations that someone else paid for his meal, but Rep. Ahn Ho-young—his rival in the Democratic Party primary—says the matter remains unresolved and has even suggested he may sit out the primary.
Reporter: Eom Seung-hyun.
[Reporter]
Rep. Lee Won-taek of the Democratic Party, who is running in the North Jeolla governor primary, is accused of having someone else pay his restaurant bill at a gathering in Jeongeup, North Jeolla, in November.
According to reports, roughly 700,000 KRW (about $525) in charges were incurred at the event. The controversy intensified after a provincial assembly member surnamed Kim—who is known to support Lee’s gubernatorial bid—was said to have covered part of the bill.
“Restaurant owner”: I showed them the cash, but they said it wasn’t enough, and then they said they’d come back and pay next time. I think it went like that.
Lee says he gave 150,000 KRW (about $113) to Assemblyman Kim to cover his and his aides’ meal costs, and then left, insisting he had no further involvement.
Lee Won-taek / Member of the National Assembly, Democratic Party candidate in the North Jeolla governor primary: Our campaign arranged the dinner. On that day, I did not instruct Kim 00 (provincial assemblyman) to pay the bill or tell anyone to make such a payment afterward.
But Ahn Ho-young, a fellow Democratic Party contender, has demanded a new investigation and called for the primary to be suspended, saying it would be unfair to proceed while doubts persist.
Ahn Ho-young / Member of the National Assembly, Democratic Party candidate in the North Jeolla governor primary: If the party does not order a swift reexamination and halt the primary, I will be forced to make a grave decision, and I want to make clear that the party would bear full responsibility.
Civic groups have also urged authorities to investigate.
Kim Ki-dae / Wanju-Jeonju Olympic Promotion Committee: Charging the alcohol and meal bills to the corporate card of the standing committee chair of the North Jeolla Provincial Council qualifies as a donation under the Public Official Election Act. This turns the local election into one influenced by money and hospitality…
Participatory Autonomy North Jeolla Citizen Solidarity released a statement calling the case an allegation of power-driven misconduct involving the private use of public authority and resources.
Pressure has also mounted on former Gov. Kim Kwan-young, who is under investigation for alleged cash distribution; activists are demanding his resignation.
Oh Do-young / North Jeolla Constitutional Reform Movement Headquarters: He must accept responsibility for his wrongdoing, step down from the governorship immediately, and retire from politics. That is the least he owes residents.
North Jeolla is a Democratic Party stronghold where securing the party nomination often means winning the office. With several leading candidates now facing legal risks, the race has grown increasingly fraught.
This is Eom Seung-hyun reporting for Yonhap News TV.
[Video reporter: Jeong Kyung-hwan]
[Video editor: Kim Ye-jin]
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Eom Seung-hyun (esh@yna.co.kr)
