As the DUI record of Myong Cheong-hwan, the Yeosu mayoral candidate for the Rebuilding Korea Party, became a controversy, Choi Hae-guk, spokesperson for the party's Jeonnam branch, uploaded Lee Jae-myung's "criminal record" to his social media, sparking further debate. 

A perfect black comedy, destined to be remembered in the annals of Korean political history, unfolded in the Yeosu mayoral race.

Here's how the incident began. When the DUI record of Myong Cheong-hwan, the Yeosu mayoral candidate for the Rebuilding Korea Party, became a point of contention, Choi Hae-guk, spokesperson for the party's Jeonnam branch, conspicuously posted a photo on his social media.

It was President Lee Jae-myung's "criminal record" submitted to the Election Commission in the past. It clearly listed President Lee's DUI offense. The defense tactic was remarkably transparent and, dare we say, logical(?): "If the President has driven under the influence, what exactly is the problem with our mayoral candidate's DUI?"

The Bizarre Race to the Bottom in Yeosu Politics

The Democratic Party's Jeonnam branch was thrown into a frenzy by this outlandish "Presidential Criminal Record Shield." They immediately issued a statement, fuming, "They are trying to evade their own issues by suddenly bringing up the President's past criminal record."

Up to this point, it's a typical electoral spat. However, the next sentence uttered by the Democratic Party as they rebuked the Rebuilding Korea Party elevated this comedy to the realm of art.

"Drunk driving is not a simple mistake but a serious social crime that threatens the lives and safety of citizens, and public officials should be evaluated by even stricter moral standards."

What a profoundly common-sense and excellent statement. The problem lies in the fact that the entity applying this stern moral yardstick is the Democratic Party. Who exactly were the ones who nominated a person who committed that 'serious social crime' that endangers citizens' lives as the leader of the main opposition party, defended him fiercely, and ultimately helped him ascend to the highest position of national power as President?

The "Four-Time Convict" Camp vs. the "Convicted Felon" Camp

Of course, the brazenness of the Rebuilding Korea Party is not to be outdone. While waving around the record of a "four-time convict" president to mock them, they conveniently turn a blind eye to the critical fact that their own party leader, Cho Kuk, though pardoned, clearly has a criminal record for which he received a prison sentence. It's a bizarre spectacle where the "four-time convict" camp and the "convicted felon" camp are pointing fingers at each other, debating whose morality is superior.

Ultimately, the Rebuilding Korea Party's Jeonnam branch apologized for causing concern to the President and the citizens and withdrew their statement, bowing their heads in submission. They added a grand excuse about not participating in wasteful political attacks, but in reality, it was a hasty surrender for touching upon the "Supreme Leader's four-time convict complex," a sore spot for the ruling party.

This ridiculous farce is a chilling indicator of how far the morality of South Korea's progressive camp has fallen in 2026.

When those at the pinnacle of power possess a colorful criminal resume, for the ecosystem beneath them, criminal records cease to be shameful disqualifications. If a four-time convict can become president and a convicted felon can lead a party, why shouldn't a minor offender like myself be able to become mayor? This bizarre race to the bottom logic has perfectly infected the grassroots of local politics.

A country where a president's DUI record is cited as a solid precedent and alibi for a local election candidate. An electoral battlefield where hypocrites who ignore the crimes of their own side while vehemently condemning the crimes of others discuss morality. The flimsy excuses of the Rebuilding Korea Party and the divisive scolding of the Democratic Party are ultimately just a scramble for position within the same cesspool. The public, forced to watch this degenerating drama with their own tax money, can only watch their hearts burn black with frustration. 

◆ Park Ju-hyeon, Writer

Composer, music director, columnist, and essayist. Actively expresses her opinions on political, current affairs, and social issues on Facebook, gaining widespread agreement. She has published the essay collection 'Crossing the Stormy Seas'.