Reform Party vows 'zero tolerance' for candidate accused of faking assault

South Korea's Reform Party is preparing to take stern measures against Busan mayoral candidate Jeong I-han, who faces allegations of staging his own assault during a campaign event. The party has labeled his actions as a "sneaky defection" after he submitted his resignation online to evade disciplinary action.

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The Reform Party will take strict action against Busan mayoral candidate Jeong I-han, who is under investigation for faking an assault during a campaign event.

Cheon Ha-ram, the Reform Party's floor leader, expressed deep regret and responsibility for Jeong's behavior. He stated that Jeong's sudden resignation and subsequent disappearance were highly irresponsible. Cheon criticized Jeong for exploiting a loophole in the party law, which allows resignations to take effect immediately, to avoid facing consequences for his alleged misconduct.

Jeong had claimed he was attacked with a drink while campaigning on April 27th in Busan. His campaign team alleged that he fell and lost consciousness after a driver sprayed a beverage at his car. Police arrested a 30-year-old male driver later that day. However, subsequent reports suggest Jeong may have fabricated the incident. The Hankyoreh newspaper reported that the Geumjeong Police Station in Busan is investigating Jeong for charges including obstruction of public service, false information dissemination, and violations of the Public Official Election Act.

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The party accused Jeong of 'sneaky defection' to avoid party discipline after submitting his resignation online.

The Reform Party has vowed to take a "zero-tolerance" approach, initiating its own fact-finding investigation, pursuing legal action, and permanently barring Jeong from rejoining the party. The party emphasized that merely leaving the party does not absolve him of his alleged wrongdoings.

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The Reform Party is preparing to take stern measures against Busan mayoral candidate Jeong I-han, who faces allegations of staging his own assault during a campaign event.