The Democratic Party has sharply criticized Kim Kwan-young, the Jeonbuk governor who declared his independent candidacy on May 7, calling his actions "shameless." Kim was expelled from the party over allegations of distributing money envelopes and has supported Democratic Party lawmaker Ahn Ho-young, who staged a hunger strike after the party selected Lee Won-taek as its Jeonbuk gubernatorial candidate amid accusations of meal expense reimbursements.
Jo Seung-rae, head of the Democratic Party's National Normalization Election Committee, stated at a press conference on May 10 that Kim is permanently ineligible for rejoining the party. He explained that the party's constitution prohibits the reinstatement of individuals expelled for sexual offenses or those who leave the party to run for office against the party's decisions.
Jo criticized the notion that the Democratic Party is a place where individuals can freely enter and exit at will, responding to speculation that Kim could return to the party if elected as an independent.
He also addressed Kim's claims that the party engaged in unfair candidate selection, stating, "Such assertions are blatant falsehoods, and we are considering legal action."
Additionally, Jo issued a warning to the Justice Reform Party, suggesting that those who have been disciplined or denied candidacy within the Democratic Party should not expect to be welcomed back later. He remarked, "Some believe they will eventually be absorbed into the party, but that is a misconception." He added that he does not believe the Justice Reform Party is acting as a party in this regard, viewing any such actions as individual deviations that could harm mutual trust.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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