President Lee Calls for Reverting Democratic Party's Increased Candidate Deposit Fees

President Lee Jae-myung has criticized the recent increase in deposit fees for candidates running in the Democratic Party's national convention, stating, "It is a sad reality that people cannot run for office due to a lack of money, and it also increases the incentive for corruption."

President Lee stated on his social media today (July 19), "It is regrettable that deposit fees have been significantly raised for this election, and that young candidates, in particular, are struggling because their fees have increased several times over."

He suggested, "While incumbent lawmakers may find the burden manageable due to their salaries and political funds, it is a significant burden for those outside the National Assembly, especially young people. Since the party is not in financial distress, and considering the difficulties faced by young people and the need for policy-based support, I suggest considering a return to the previous level of deposit fees."

President Lee emphasized, "One of the core elements of the political reform led by Roh Moo-hyun, which everyone acknowledges fundamentally changed South Korean politics, was the introduction of a public management system for elections, or 'low-cost elections.' Without President Roh's 'low-cost election' reform, I would not have even dreamed of entering politics."

He further mentioned, "When I was the leader of the Democratic Party, I attempted to introduce a 'public management system for party elections,' but I significantly reduced the deposit amounts due to counterarguments that maintaining the deposit system was necessary to prevent an excessive number of candidates."

He also wrote, "As a senior who overcame the walls of the establishment through countless challenges while bearing the sorrow of having no money in my youth, I would like to at least promote the donation accounts of these young candidates."

Seemingly conscious of potential criticism regarding "interference in party affairs," President Lee added, "Some may point this out as interference in party affairs, but under current law and the party's constitution and regulations, the President is also a party member and is entitled to express opinions on the affairs of their affiliated party, so I hope there is no misunderstanding."

Kim Min-suk, a former Prime Minister [sic] and one of the candidates for the next party leadership, has also pointed out the issue of the increased deposit fees.

Following his initial criticism on the 16th, the first day of candidate registration, Kim stated again today, "I cannot understand this at all. Compared to the era of Representative Lee Jae-myung, young and disabled candidates must pay 30 million won more for party leader and 17.5 million won more for supreme council member."

Candidates running for party leader in this Democratic Party national convention must pay a deposit of 100 million won, while candidates for supreme council member must pay 50 million won.

Although the 50% reduction for young candidates outside the National Assembly remains in place, the base deposit standard itself has increased by approximately two to three times compared to the past.

In 2024, when President Lee was the party leader, the deposit fees were 40 million won for party leader candidates and 15 million won for supreme council member candidates, with a 50% reduction applied to young candidates.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.