Mr. Myung’s recorded remarks showing off his influence in Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae’s nomination
“I’m not a doctor and it’s hard to ask for help.”
A recording was made public on the 21st in which Myung Tae-gyun, a key party involved in the suspicion of interference in the nomination of President Yoon Seok-yeol and his wife, boasted that he had influenced the nomination of Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae.
On this day, the Democratic Party of Korea released five recordings containing this content. The Democratic Party explained that it is a file recording the voice of Myeong talking with acquaintances such as Kang Hye-kyung, a former accountant of People Power Party member Kim Young-sun, and a third party in April before the 2022 local elections and in mid-June immediately after the election.
The recording contains Mr. Myeong’s remarks boasting that Governor Kim, who was cut off (excluded from nomination) during the local election nomination process, asked him for help.
Mr. Myeong said, “I am not a doctor, and (Governor Kim) is asking me to save his life, but I will not do it anymore. “It’s so difficult,” he said. “Out of the 11 members of the (Nomination Management Committee), 3 said, ‘Kim Jin-tae should not be cut off,’ and 8 people said, ‘Make him cut off.’”
Mr. Myeong said, “I saw Kim Jin-tae earlier, and he really can’t walk. I fell too far. “And no one in Seoul is answering the phone (Governor Kim),” he said. “Ki-ho Han (People Power Party lawmaker and secretary-general at the time) was talking about it.” ‘The president has to sort it out. ‘Your problem is.’ “That’s why (Governor Kim) called me.”
He also said, “I have no power or anything, but I have more foresight than others and can see the future in advance.”
The audio of Mr. Myeong saying that Governor Kim thanked him for getting the opportunity to run was also released.
Mr. Myeong said, “The president changed his words three times. Is
He said, “Jeong Jin-seok (chairman of the diplomatic committee at the time) called Kim Jin-tae and ended the incident with an apology to the Jogye Order on May 18. (Governor Kim) cried in the morning and said, ‘I will not forget you.’”
In addition, Mr. Myeong’s voice was revealed, saying, “I saved Kim Jin-tae’s life,” and “When someone who knew Kim Jin-tae told me about him, (Governor Kim) stood up and held my hand and shook it, saying, ‘That person is the savior of my life.'”
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How might the release of the recordings by the Democratic Party affect their standing in upcoming elections?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Good afternoon, and welcome to our special segment. Today, we’re discussing a rather controversial and striking revelation from South Korea’s political landscape. Joining me is Dr. Jae-woo Han, a political analyst and expert on party dynamics in the region. Dr. Han, thank you for being here.
Dr. Jae-woo Han (D.H.): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
T.E.: Let’s dive right in. Recently, a recording of Myung Tae-gyun surfaced, where he claims to have influenced Governor Kim Jin-tae’s nomination. Can you break down the significance of this revelation for our audience?
D.H.: Absolutely. This is a pivotal moment that lays bare the intricacies of political maneuvering within the ruling People Power Party. Myung’s comments suggest not only that he held sway over nominations but also that he was deeply involved in the backroom dealings that often define political appointments in South Korea. It raises questions about transparency and the ethical implications of such influence.
T.E.: The Democratic Party of Korea released these recordings. What does this strategic move indicate about the current political climate?
D.H.: This is a calculated effort by the Democratic Party to exploit the missteps of their opponents. By releasing these tapes, they aim to undermine the credibility of the People Power Party and provoke public discourse around political accountability. It shows the Democrats are actively trying to regain ground as the ruling party faces scrutiny.
T.E.: Myung mentioned that Governor Kim referred to him as a “savior” of his political career. How does such personal language play into the narrative of political influence?
D.H.: That’s a fascinating point. Such language personalizes what is often seen as a cold, transactional relationship in politics. It portrays Myung not just as a player in a game, but as someone with a personal stake in the outcomes of others. This can evoke sympathy, but it also risks backlash by appearing manipulative. It blurs the lines between genuine support and self-serving interests.
T.E.: Myung also indicated that he felt he had “no power” yet claimed greater foresight than others. How do these contrasting statements affect his credibility?
D.H.: That’s a classic example of political doublespeak. By claiming a lack of power, he distances himself from accountability while simultaneously asserting his influence over critical decisions. It’s a tactic that can confuse the electorate, but savvy political observers will recognize the contradiction. His credibility may suffer among those who see through the rhetoric.
T.E.: Listening to the recordings, how do you think this public exposure will impact Governor Kim’s standing within the party and among voters?
D.H.: Governor Kim finds himself in a precarious position. On one hand, if he distances himself from Myung, he risks alienating a major political ally. On the other, if he embraces this narrative of being saved, it raises concerns about his autonomy and capability as a leader. Voters generally prefer candidates who can stand on their own merit, so this may lead to a decline in public support.
T.E.: Lastly, what do you foresee as the long-term implications of these events on South Korean politics?
D.H.: This could lead to a push for political reform and greater transparency in the nomination processes within South Korea. If the public perceives these actions as indicative of corrupt practices, we could see a movement towards insisting on more open and democratic procedures. In the immediate term, it may cause fractures within the ruling party that could reshape the political landscape, setting the stage for future elections.
T.E.: Thank you, Dr. Han, for shedding light on these critical developments. We appreciate your insights!
D.H.: Thank you for having me. It’s been great discussing these important issues.