Politics · South Korea · 20 hrs ago
Legal complaints deepen Democratic Party divisions in North Chungcheong
Democratic Party members in North Chungcheong province, South Korea, remain divided after disputes during the June 3 local elections.
The conflict began with rival complaints involving lawmaker Lee Kang-il and former Cheongju city councillor Kim Seong-taek.
Police investigations into some of the allegations are still under way, while police dismissed a complaint accusing Kim of trying to offer money for a party nomination.
Some Democratic Party city councillors have also urged Cheongju’s mayor to carefully consider Kim’s possible appointment to lead a local development foundation.
Lee’s side has separately accused provincial lawmaker Song Mi-ae of using a party membership list for an election, which Song denies.
The provincial party leadership says it is monitoring the situation and may consider a response if needed.
Democratic Party infighting in North Chungcheong has intensified, with members filing complaints against one another over disputes linked to the June 3 local elections.
The conflict began with a dispute between lawmaker Lee Kang-il and former Cheongju city councillor Kim Seong-taek.
Kim accused Lee and two others of helping illegal primary campaigning, while Lee’s side denied the claim and filed a complaint against Kim.
Lee’s side later accused Kim of trying to offer money in exchange for a nomination, but police recently decided not to refer that case for prosecution due to a lack of evidence.
The dispute has spread to other party members, including a provincial councillor whom Lee’s side accused of using a party membership list illegally.
- Who
- Democratic Party members in North Chungcheong, including lawmaker Lee Kang-il and former Cheongju city councillor Kim Seong-taek.
- What
- Internal disputes have led to a series of police and election-related complaints among party members.
- When
- The conflict arose during the June 3 local election campaign and was still continuing as of October 11, 2026.
- Where
- North Chungcheong, including Cheongju.
- Why
- The disputes stem from allegations about illegal primary campaigning, a nomination request and the use of a party membership list.
Lee Kang-il’s side
Kim Seong-taek
Alleged illegal primary campaigning
Lee Kang-il’s side
Kim accused Lee and two others of helping illegal campaigning by sharing a free election app; Lee’s side denied the allegation.
Kim Seong-taek
Kim filed the complaint alleging that Lee and two others helped illegal primary campaigning.
Alleged nomination bribe
Lee Kang-il’s side
Lee’s side accused Kim of trying to offer money in exchange for a nomination and filed a complaint.
Kim Seong-taek
Kim was the subject of the allegation; police recently decided not to refer the case for prosecution due to a lack of evidence.
I did not use the party membership list and will consider responding, including by filing a complaint for false accusation.
In my personal opinion, the complaint against provincial councillor Song is inappropriate given the various circumstances.
I do not know why this needs to happen now, or whether this is an issue that needs to be escalated.
Kim filed complaints with police and the election commission, alleging that Lee and two others aided illegal primary campaigning.
Lee’s side accused Kim of trying to offer money in exchange for a nomination and filed a complaint.
Lee’s side filed a complaint against provincial councillor Song Mi-ae over suspected illegal use of a party membership list.
Police decided not to refer the complaint alleging Kim tried to offer a bribe for prosecution, citing a lack of evidence.
- Local election date
- June 3
- Initial dispute
- Lee Kang-il and Kim Seong-taek
- Nomination-bribe complaint
- Police decided not to refer the case for prosecution due to a lack of evidence
- Membership-list complaint
- Filed against provincial councillor Song Mi-ae
- Publication date
- October 11, 2026
Sources
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