Lee Jae-myung Briefed on Illegal Democratic Party Member Recruitment; Nomination Rules Discussed

An internal investigation by the Democratic Party of Korea into alleged member recruitment irregularities has confirmed that three candidates expected to run in next year's local elections, including an incumbent county head in South Jeolla Province, inappropriately recruited party members. The Democratic Party discovered approximately 46,000 suspicious cases through a full investigation and announced a policy of thoroughly investigating the truth and severely punishing those involved. Concerns are being raised within the party that this alleged illegal recruitment of party members could negatively impact next year's local elections and the party's image. Party leader Lee Jae-myung has requested the Ethics Tribunal to severely punish those involved, pointing out that illegal recruitment of party members is a serious issue that undermines the party's fairness.

The Democratic Party is scheduled to finalize amendments to the nomination rules at the Central Committee meeting on November 26th. The amendments are expected to include measures to strengthen the level of punishment for illegal recruitment of party members and enhance transparency in the nomination process. In the process of selecting the chairperson of the Budget and Accounts Special Committee of the Gwangju City Council, an unusual situation occurred when independent lawmaker Shim Chang-wook was elected as chairperson. The Democratic Party's Central Ethics Tribunal issued a one-month suspension of party membership to Shin Su-jeong, Speaker of the Gwangju City Council, and issued warnings to lawmakers Jung Mu-chang and Lee Gwi-soon.

The Democratic Party is facing difficulties due to the alleged illegal recruitment of party members and the turmoil within the Gwangju City Council's Budget and Accounts Special Committee. The party leadership has stated its commitment to restoring the party's credibility, and officials have stated that they will review and improve the party's operating system. The Democratic Party plans to finalize its future response measures by comprehensively considering the results of the Ethics Tribunal's investigation and the Central Committee's decision.