The People Power Party demanded the resignation and nomination cancellation of two Democratic Party candidates over alleged ties to loan-company operations [1].
This escalation occurs during the national election campaign, signaling an attempt by the conservative party to weaken the opposition's standing in key constituencies. The allegations target candidates in Pyeongtaek and Ulsan, regions that are critical to the overall electoral outcome.
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk described the candidates as the "Loan Brothers," alleging they presented themselves as common citizens by day while operating as moneylenders by night [1]. Jang said the individuals should be sent to prison rather than the National Assembly [1]. He said the Democratic Party must be judged for protecting these candidates [1].
The targeted individuals include Kim Yong-nam, running in Pyeongtaek, and Kim Sang-uk, a mayoral candidate in Ulsan [1]. The People Power Party is calling for the immediate removal of these two candidates from their party nominations [1].
The Democratic Party rejected the accusations. A party spokesperson said that no illegal activity has been confirmed [1]. The party maintains that the allegations lack proof of illegal conduct, and has not moved to change the status of its candidates.
The clash comes as both parties intensify their efforts to sway voters on the final stretch of the campaign. The use of the term "Loan Brothers" reflects a strategy to frame the opposition as being out of touch with the financial struggles of ordinary citizens — a common theme in South Korean political discourse.
“"The Democratic Party must be judged for protecting these candidates."”
This confrontation highlights the high-stakes nature of the current election cycle, where personal integrity and financial history are used as primary political weapons. By framing the Democratic candidates as predatory lenders, the People Power Party seeks to erode the opposition's populist appeal among working-class voters. The Democratic Party's refusal to act suggests a gamble that the allegations will not gain enough traction to flip the seats in Pyeongtaek and Ulsan before the vote.
