According to Yonhap News on May 13, Jeong's camp announced that they would report Kim for violating the Public Official Election Act by disseminating false information intended to undermine Jeong's candidacy.
In their statement, Jeong's team argued that Kim's claims were based on a transcript from a Yangcheon District Council meeting in October 1995, stating, "The transcript merely records the words of the meeting attendees and cannot be considered objective evidence." They labeled Kim's assertions as blatant falsehoods.
They further contended, "Kim's claims merely repeat unfounded statements made by an independent council member nine days after the incident occurred."
Regarding Kim's assertion that the council member who raised the issue was independent, Jeong's camp responded, "This is an attempt to cover up the truth. While independent council members were not subject to party nominations at the time, it is a fact that the council member was affiliated with the Democratic Liberal Party, the predecessor of the People Power Party."
They added, "Kim continues to engage in negative campaigning based on false information. While Jeong Won-o's campaign will compete on policy grounds to earn the rightful evaluation of Seoul citizens, we will take strong action against clear falsehoods."
Meanwhile, Kim Jae-seop held a press conference earlier that day, alleging that Jeong's explanation for a past altercation related to differing views on the May 18 Democratic Uprising was a lie.
He presented the council meeting transcript, claiming it detailed an incident where Jeong assaulted two citizens and a police officer while trying to coerce a cafe owner into allowing an overnight stay with a female employee. He urged Jeong to come forward and clarify the situation honestly.
Jeong was convicted in 1995 for assaulting two citizens and two police officers while drinking at a cafe in Yangcheon District, where he was serving as a secretary to the Yangcheon District Mayor at the time.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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