Na Kyungwon: "Wi Cheolhwan Is the Real Power in the Election Commission... Travel Ban and Special Investigation Needed"

"Wi, President Lee's Judicial Training Classmate and 'Meal Buddy'"

Nakyung Won, member of the People Power Party, on June 14 called for a travel ban and an immediate investigation into Wi Cheolhwan, acting chairperson of the National Election Commission, whom she identified as the person responsible for the ballot shortage crisis during the June 3 local elections.

On her social media account that day, Assemblywoman Na stated, "The person who must immediately step down, be subject to a travel ban, and undergo a thorough investigation is not the non-standing chairperson Noh Taeak, but rather Wi Cheolhwan, the standing commissioner who holds the real power."

Nakyung Won, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

She further pointed out, "Standing Commissioner Wi is known to be a close friend and 'meal companion' of President Jaemyung Lee, as they were both in the 18th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute. He is a blatantly pro-Lee figure, having even served as the head of the Democratic Party's Ethics Tribunal when President Lee was party leader."

She went on to say, "It is absurd for the Election Commission under Jaemyung Lee’s close friend Wi Cheolhwan to investigate itself over this incident. What is needed is not an investigation, but rather a confession and an immediate voluntary resignation."

Furthermore, she argued, "If President Lee simply lets his close associates in the Election Commission cover up the widespread illegality and dereliction of duty, that constitutes a clear ground for impeachment for failing to uphold constitutional duties. Only a special prosecutor led by the opposition can properly investigate and uncover the truth. A special prosecutor led by the opposition is absolutely necessary," she stressed.

Assemblywoman Na also clarified her remarks from a press conference on June 12, where she said, "If I were (Seoul Mayor) Oh Sehoon, I would immediately go to Olympic Park in Jamsil and declare a re-election." She responded, "I don't even feel the need to address low-level attacks claiming that I said this because I want to run for office. I am simply speaking about principles and common sense."

She added, "If, under the current scrutiny of the public, a fair and transparent election is held with absolutely no irregularities or fraud, Mayor Oh will be able to reaffirm his legitimacy with much greater support and a landslide victory than now."

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