Busan Democratic Party Holds Reflection Session for Trust Recovery

The solidarity group has opened a 'Busan Democratic Party Corruption Hotline' to publicize issues. They aim to overcome the trust crisis facing the Busan DP and achieve transparent party operations.

As a result of these anonymous tips, 3 out of 4 targeted individuals were eliminated in the first round of nominations. The Democratic Party's central committee explained that the investigation results remain confidential and are unrelated to nominations.

Reporter Kim Myung-woo stated that Rep. Nam Young-soo, identified as a defendant, strongly refutes the allegations. Rep. Nam Young-soo maintains that she only requested support during the primary process and never offered or attempted to offer money. The police have secured recorded conversations and are investigating the facts.

It was claimed that former Secretary-General Kim Byeong-soo led the issues of proportional city councilors and illegal nominations. It was pointed out that these key alleged criminals currently hold important positions, such as political advisors to the Busan Metropolitan City. It was argued that the central party's action of suspending Kim Byeong-soo acknowledges his criminal acts, and a thorough investigation into this is urged.

Jeong Du-in demanded adherence to primary procedures from the central and city parties, urging fair primary guarantees so that no one is unfairly treated. Citing Rep. Jeong Cheong-rae's remark, "No one should be unjustly treated," he emphasized that they desire nothing but a fair primary opportunity. This is a plea for the system nomination principles to be upheld. He stated that he would accept all results if given a fair chance to compete in the primary according to party procedures. He repeatedly stressed that members' democratic rights must be guaranteed and called for improvements to unfair practices. There was a strong voice hoping that the party's principles and promises would be properly implemented.

Kim Bu-min exposed that the district head-elect operated a private organization called 'Sanakhoe' (mountain climbing club) in June 2025. He claimed that the elect coerced key party members to join the club, stating that participation records would be reflected in nominations. Evidence of unauthorized use of the party member roster for private organization promotion was also found, and allegations of collusion with the city branch's secretary-general were raised.

Kim Bu-min said that now the party leader only needs to find and disclose the meeting minutes and evidence submitted to the Supreme Council. However, there are also claims that proper meeting materials were not actually submitted to the Supreme Council, suggesting a potential dispute over the truth.

Shin Eun-ju pointed out that the Saha-gu Eul 'Da' electoral district held its primary in haste before the electoral district demarcation results were announced on April 17, 2025. She stated that there was a problem as the primary included a 'dong' (neighborhood) that had already been incorporated into Saha Gap in the last general election. The city branch responded that there was no issue, citing '78% consistency.' However, a candidate who lost the primary by 28 votes filed an injunction, which was dismissed, continuing the controversy. These procedural errors raise questions about the fairness of the primary. Party members criticized such practices as undermining democratic procedures.

Kim Jong-min reported that an article emerged alleging a former Democratic Party city branch chairman hired a volunteer, who assisted him with personal tasks, as a contract employee for the city branch, paid them a salary, and mobilized them for his personal errands and YouTube content creation. This has escalated into suspicions of misappropriating public funds and improperly utilizing election campaigners. He stated that evidence has been secured, and a complaint will be filed with the election commission and prosecution, demanding a thorough investigation to reveal the truth.

Party members asserted that this issue must be collectively verified and explained, emphasizing that a thorough investigation should resolve it in the future.

She stated that due to systemic limitations preventing information sharing between regions, local issues are not externally known. She criticized the prevalence of a closed practice within the party that 'demonizes' members who raise complaints and covers up problems. She argued that this system obstructs legitimate problem-solving by members and undermines intra-party democracy.

Party members criticized that continuing to blame the losing side after winning the national convention was too cruel. They pointed out that this was inappropriate conduct for a public figure and a divisive act within the party. Some members even called for Rep. Jeong Cheong-rae's resignation, voicing strong criticism.

He explained the background for not directly mentioning the Busan situation at the time to secure victory in the local elections. Chairman Yoo demanded responsible answers and a truth investigation into the clear evidence of unfair nomination practices. These remarks further intensified suspicions about the opacity and unfairness of the party's nomination process.

The Reform Special Committee plans to officially propose to the city branch to be registered as an official body and begin its activities. Chairman Joo announced a thorough investigation into the true nature of the '6-person committee' and nomination manipulation. He also plans to pursue official registration with the Busan City Branch and establish regular public forums to restore intra-party democracy and regain trust.