Supreme Council Preliminary Candidate Deposit Quadrupled to 20 Million Won, Sparking Controversy... Kim Minseok Urges Reconsideration

Kim Hyeongnam: Political Newcomers Face Difficulties
Deposit Amount Only Known Through Official Announcements
Need for Reasonable Standards and Transparent Management

The deposit required for the Democratic Party of Korea's party convention has become a subject of controversy. Not only has the cost for the preliminary primary increased more than fourfold, but criticism has also emerged over the lack of consideration for political newcomers.

On the 16th, Kim Hyungnam, a preliminary candidate for the Democratic Party's Supreme Council member, wrote on social media, "This year, the deposit for the Supreme Council preliminary primary is 20 million won. In the four regular and special party conventions held in 2022, 2024, and 2025, the deposit was 5 million won. All of a sudden, it has increased by 400%." He further noted, "Originally, even if a candidate advanced all the way to the main primary, the total deposit was only 15 million won."

Regarding the significant increase in the election deposit, which can only be confirmed through the election announcement, Kim commented, "Unless you are someone wealthy enough to casually spend 20 million won at any moment, it's only natural to be taken aback." He added, "The preliminary primary does not involve campaigning across the nation, and it will end in a week. What is the reason for this fourfold increase and on what basis was it set?"

Kim Hyungnam, former Secretary General of the Korea Military Human Rights Center and a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council member, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily in Yeouido, Seoul. 2026.7.10 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Kim also pointed out, "Many candidates, especially young people and political newcomers, experience difficulties due to the high costs of various in-party primaries." He stressed, "Information about where and how much the deposit is being used for election management should be transparently disclosed so that payers do not have doubts." Kim added, "If the party puts effort into ensuring that candidates' views and policies are well communicated to party members, holds debates as a requirement, and manages the voting process smoothly, then no candidate would complain about paying a reasonable amount as a deposit. This is something that needs to change." In relation to this, he also promised to introduce greater transparency, rational determination, and appropriate management measures for the deposit if elected as Supreme Council member.

Additionally, Kim Minseok, a candidate for the Democratic Party's party leader, also raised concerns about the deposit system. Through social media, he stated, "During Lee Jaemyung's tenure as party leader, the deposit was reduced in line with the spirit of public campaign funding, but now it has been raised even higher than before." He continued, "At the very least, younger candidates should have received even greater exemptions. This heavy burden is excessive for those taking on the challenge, especially when it is uncertain whether they will advance to the final round." He added, "Surely the party is not in such financial straits that it cannot hold a convention without deposit funds. I urge you to reconsider."

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