Joo Jin-woo Accuses Yong Hye-in and Basic Income Party

Before the press conference began, the microphone was not working, causing attendees to wait briefly.

An announcement was made that the press conference would begin shortly.

The press conference officially began.

Before the press conference could begin, the microphone again failed to work properly, causing another delay. Afterwards, Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party mentioned Rep. Yong Hye-in's 47-minute press conference from yesterday.

He added that it was a symbolic scene showing that 'youth politics' had become 'old-fashioned' and that the Basic Income Party had 'siphoned off' taxpayer money.

He emphasized that the Political Parties Act requires a minimum of five provincial party offices, and since parties receive taxpayer money, they must have at least the minimum office space to function as a political party.

He stressed that if the party registration is fraudulent, there must be a thorough investigation into whether the number of members was inflated with 'ghost members'. Filing a false party registration application is a serious crime punishable by up to two years in prison under Article 59 of the Political Parties Act.

He explained that if the party defrauded the public as a 'paper ghost party' to obtain subsidies, it is theft of taxpayer money, and the illegal expenditure of political funds and violation of subsidy usage restrictions fall under Article 47 of the Political Funds Act.

He pointed out that it is candidate Yong Hye-in who needs to 'come to her senses,' adding that people are even calling her a 'fertilizer representative' instead of a 'proportional representative' because of it.

He stated that he submitted a request for investigation to the National Election Commission late last night, and strongly demanded that the NEC cancel the Basic Income Party's registration.

He noted that Rep. Yong Hye-in is a defendant under investigation and lacks the qualifications not only for a minister but even for a ministerial candidate.

He assessed that yesterday's brazen press conference by candidate Yong Hye-in ignited public anger and delivered a 'fireworks show' that sent Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings further into decline.

He also strongly demanded that the National Election Commission conduct a rigorous investigation, swiftly cancel the Basic Income Party's registration, and take legal action against those involved, stating that he would then take questions.

A reporter asked for a statement regarding candidate Moon Jae-in's continued claim of unfairness concerning this suspicion today, following his remarks last month. Rep. Joo Jin-woo replied that the public's assessment of the Basic Income Party was over with this incident. He said that the Basic Income Party was indeed a 'family party' and that salaries for family members were paid from it.

Rep. Joo Jin-woo pointed out that the Basic Income Party did not meet the actual requirements for a political party. He explained that this means over 1.1 billion won of taxpayer money annually was spent on a non-party during a period when it was not properly constituted. He believes there is no room for excuses and urged them to acknowledge their wrongdoing regarding the various allegations and resign quickly.

He added that not just anyone can represent the public, and to run as a proportional representative, a legitimate party must be established to earn public trust.

Rep. Joo Jin-woo criticized the National Election Commission, stating that while it was wrong for them to mismanage this election and allow rampant irregularities, their management of political parties was also incredibly subpar. He recounted that a reporter who visited the site found it to be a barren land with only a few fertilizer bags on a farm, questioning how any party activities could be conducted there.

Afterwards, he stated that the press conference would conclude if there were no further questions.