Jeong Yi-han, the Reform Party's candidate for Busan mayor, announces his indefinite hunger strike in front of Busan City Hall on May 8. [Photo=Jeong Yi-han campaign]
Jeong Yi-han, the Reform Party's candidate for Busan mayor, has begun an indefinite hunger strike to protest his exclusion from a televised debate.
In a statement released on May 8, Jeong said, "Despite meeting the legal requirements to participate in the TV debate, my legitimate rights have been completely blocked due to the unilateral exclusion by the broadcasting company. I want to express my protest by putting my body on the line."
He criticized the situation, stating, "In the 2018 and 2022 Busan mayoral elections, candidates from the third and fourth parties participated in both official and broadcaster-invited debates. This time, that door has been firmly shut. Silencing candidates ultimately obstructs the citizens of Busan's right to know and deprives voters of their choice."
Jeong began his hunger strike at 6 p.m. in front of Busan City Hall in Yeonje District after issuing his statement. The Reform Party plans to file a request for an injunction against the broadcasting companies that excluded Jeong and intends to pursue constitutional complaints regarding the matter.
A Reform Party official emphasized, "This issue goes beyond mere participation; it concerns the fairness of the public forum and the fundamental principles of democracy. We will rectify this situation through Jeong's hunger strike and legal action."
Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, plans to visit Busan on May 9 to rally support for Jeong from the citizens of Busan and to visit Jeong's hunger strike site.
In a statement released on May 8, Jeong said, "Despite meeting the legal requirements to participate in the TV debate, my legitimate rights have been completely blocked due to the unilateral exclusion by the broadcasting company. I want to express my protest by putting my body on the line."
He criticized the situation, stating, "In the 2018 and 2022 Busan mayoral elections, candidates from the third and fourth parties participated in both official and broadcaster-invited debates. This time, that door has been firmly shut. Silencing candidates ultimately obstructs the citizens of Busan's right to know and deprives voters of their choice."
Jeong began his hunger strike at 6 p.m. in front of Busan City Hall in Yeonje District after issuing his statement. The Reform Party plans to file a request for an injunction against the broadcasting companies that excluded Jeong and intends to pursue constitutional complaints regarding the matter.
A Reform Party official emphasized, "This issue goes beyond mere participation; it concerns the fairness of the public forum and the fundamental principles of democracy. We will rectify this situation through Jeong's hunger strike and legal action."
Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, plans to visit Busan on May 9 to rally support for Jeong from the citizens of Busan and to visit Jeong's hunger strike site.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.