'Sexual Harassment Allegations' Buyeo County Governor Candidate Kim Minsu Denounces "False Political Maneuver"...Legal Action Taken

Whistleblower Retracts Allegations, Party Says "Difficult to Recognize as Fact"
Criminal Complaint and 100 Million Won Damages Lawsuit Filed

Kim Minsu, the Democratic Party candidate for Buyeo County Governor, held a press conference at Buyeo County Office on the 27th and announced that he filed a complaint with the police against Chungnam Provincial Assembly member Kim Giseo and Buyeo County Council member Kim Giil for allegedly spreading false information in violation of the Public Official Election Act.

Kim Minsu, the Democratic Party candidate for Buyeo County Governor in the upcoming June 3 local elections, defined the sexual harassment allegations against him as a "political maneuver based on false information" and criticized Chungnam Provincial Council member Kim Giseo and Buyeo County Council member Kim Giil, who raised these accusations.

On the 27th, during a press conference at Buyeo County Office, Kim expressed, "I feel deep anger at the act of fabricating stories and turning them into news articles," and declared, "I will firmly stand against attempts to end my political career by spreading false information."

Previously, on March 24, Councilman Kim Giseo (Independent) and Councilman Kim Giil (Democratic Party) held a press conference and raised allegations of "sexual harassment in 2013" against Kim.

The two council members disclosed reports related to the county governor candidate and claimed their authenticity. However, controversies arose due to the lack of disclosure of real names and insufficient procedures to verify the parties involved.

In response, as the Chungnam Provincial Party of the Democratic Party began an investigation, the whistleblower retracted their previous claims, and it was reported that their family also denied the allegations.

The provincial party also reportedly concluded that "it is difficult to recognize the report as fact."

Kim asserted, "The whistleblower admitted that the claims were false and apologized, and the report included statements that I never actually made."

He particularly claimed, "I was told that Councilman Kim Giseo encouraged the whistleblower to make false statements by offering to help sell their store," adding, "In the end, a story that never existed was created."

Regarding Councilman Kim Giil, Kim criticized, "He made the election disorderly by disclosing unverified information solely based on the whistleblower's unilateral claims."

As a result, Councilman Kim Giil has been given an emergency disciplinary action, suspending his party membership for two years over this matter.

On March 26, Kim filed a criminal complaint against both council members for violating the Public Official Election Act by making false statements and for defamation, and he also filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages of 100 million won.

He emphasized, "The spreading of false information not only damages an individual's reputation but also harms the entire political landscape of the region," vowing to hold those responsible fully accountable to the end.

He also appealed for support, stating, "Now that my sole nomination for Buyeo County Governor has been confirmed, I will focus on improving the lives of county residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.