People Power Party Gyeongnam Assembly Members: "Democratic Party Must Stop Political Attacks Destabilizing Provincial Administration"

Members of the People Power Party in the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly have called on the Democratic Party to stop its political attacks regarding alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act by Governor Park Wansu's election campaign during the 9th nationwide local elections.

On September 1, floor leader Choi Young-ho and other People Power Party provincial assembly members held a press conference in the assembly's briefing room and stated, "The Democratic Party must immediately cease its political offensives that shake the provincial administration and faithfully fulfill the Provincial Assembly's original role of serving the residents."

People Power Party members of the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly are announcing their stance on allegations of violation of the Public Official Election Act related to Governor Park Wansu's election campaign.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

They said, "Recently, all arrest warrants requested by the investigative authorities for four people in connection with the deepfake video production and alleged misconduct in Governor Park's election campaign were dismissed by the court. While dismissal does not amount to a final judgment of guilt or innocence, it is by no means insignificant."

They continued, "Democratic Party provincial assembly members defined this case as a state-manipulated election and deepfake plot during their press conference on August 26, demanding a thorough investigation and an official apology from the governor. However, it is not appropriate to define individuals as the masterminds or main instigators and demand political responsibility before investigation results have even been released, based on a presumption of guilt."

They further stated, "Stop the political offensives that shake the provincial administration by labeling individuals as masterminds and instigators or even suggesting investigative directions before any investigation results come out. Instead, focus on the original duties of the Provincial Assembly for the residents."

They also urged, "Investigative agencies should not be swayed by any political claims or pressure. Please conduct your investigation discreetly and fairly, based solely on specific suspicions and objective evidence."

The assembly members asserted, "Suspicions must be thoroughly investigated, and if wrongdoing is confirmed through the investigation, clear responsibility must follow. However, it is inappropriate to take unconfirmed suspicions as fact and define political responsibility accordingly."

They added, "At this time, facts must take precedence over political assertions, and the results of the investigation should come before premature judgments. Political disputes should not extend beyond the ongoing investigation to shake the provincial administration as a whole."

Addressing claims that the Provincial Assembly, which should act as a check on the administration, is instead defending the governor, they said, "This is by no means about defending the governor. We will monitor the investigation process closely until it is completely concluded, and if any wrongdoing is confirmed, we are prepared to address and demand accountability from the governor as well."

The assembly members concluded, "All People Power Party provincial assembly members will closely monitor the ongoing investigation and judicial procedures, and we will fulfill our responsibilities to address the issues facing Gyeongnam and improve the lives of its residents."

Members of the Democratic Party of Korea from Gyeongnam Province are announcing their stance on the investigation into allegations of violations of the Public Official Election Act surrounding Governor Park Wan-soo's election camp. [Photo by Democratic Party of Korea Gyeongnam Provincial Party]

Previously, prosecutors had requested pre-arrest warrants for three former and current Gyeongnam provincial government officials and D, the head of a design company, on suspicion of violating the Public Official Election Act. However, the court dismissed all the warrants, citing a lack of flight risk or concern about destruction of evidence, and the need to ensure their right to defense.

The suspects are accused of instructing the production of deepfake videos for campaign purposes in Governor Park's campaign during the last local elections, and providing internal provincial government materials, accommodation, and salaries to the video producer.

A and B are also accused of, as public officials, directing election campaign-related activities and establishing a similar election office responsible for video production.

The police, commissioned by the Gyeongnam Election Commission, launched an investigation into A and eight others and conducted a search and seizure of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government immediately after the election as part of a compulsory investigation.

When pre-arrest warrants for those involved in these allegations were requested, Democratic Party provincial assembly members held a press conference calling for a thorough investigation, including into higher-level figures and masterminds, as well as urging Governor Park to provide a responsible explanation and cooperate fully with the investigation.

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