Lee Jun-seok Apologizes to 'Busan Citizens' Over Alleged Staged Attack by Former Mayoral Candidate

Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok apologized on Thursday (June 18), saying, "I am sorry to the citizens of Busan," regarding the allegations that Jung Yi-han, who ran as the party's candidate for Busan mayor in the June 3 local elections, staged his own attack.

During the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly today, Lee stated, "If the information released by investigative authorities and reported by the media is true, this is a grave election crime that is difficult to even imagine."

He continued, "It is hard to contain my miserable feelings. As he was a candidate nominated by the Reform Party, I feel an infinite sense of responsibility," and emphasized, "We will launch an internal fact-finding team and hold former candidate Jung strictly accountable with the highest level of civil and criminal liability based on the facts revealed."

Immediately after the Supreme Council meeting, Lee met with reporters and said, "There is nothing more I have grasped beyond what has been reported," but added, "I believe the situation where someone who ran in a major election declares retirement from politics on social media without notifying us and leaves the party online without any sense of responsibility leaves us no choice but to hold him accountable."

He further added, "I do not think Jung will be able to engage in political activities in the future," and, "This is a matter that clearly tarnished the party's reputation. We will take civil and criminal measures according to the judgment of the party's internal fact-finding team."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.