Former Lawmaker Kim Young-sun Allegedly Threatened to Expose Political Interference
Kim Young-sun, a former lawmaker of the People Power Party (국민의힘), has been accused of pressuring fellow party members ahead of the April 10 elections. According to reports, she threatened to reveal alleged political interference by Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of President Yoon Suk-yeol, if she was not granted a nomination.
The claims were made by Nam Sang-kwon, the lawyer for political broker Myung Tae-kyun, who is currently facing charges for violating political funding laws. Nam stated that on February 18 of last year, Kim Geon-hee allegedly discussed Kim Young-sun's nomination via Telegram, suggesting that support should be given to former prosecutor Kim Sang-min in the Changwon district. In return, she promised a ministerial or public enterprise position after the elections.
Sources indicate that Kim Young-sun informed key party officials that Kim Geon-hee was attempting to secure a nomination for Kim Sang-min in her district, threatening to expose this if her own nomination was denied. Internally, there were discussions within the party about moving Kim Young-sun to a different district, either to run unopposed in Gimhae or at least to have a primary.
However, Han Dong-hoon, the then-leader of the People Power Party, reportedly instructed that neither Kim Sang-min nor Kim Young-sun should receive nominations or even participate in primaries. Kim Sang-min had previously hinted at running for office during the Chuseok holiday in September 2023 and held a book launch in his hometown shortly after resigning, which sparked controversy. The Ministry of Justice had suspended him for three months in February 2023 due to misconduct.
Kim Young-sun, who received the lowest score in a party audit, faced additional scrutiny during the Fukushima water discharge incident in June 2023. After receiving reports about Kim Young-sun's threats regarding Kim Geon-hee's alleged involvement in nominations, Han Dong-hoon reportedly responded, "Let her do what she wants."
After learning of her likely exclusion from nominations, Kim Young-sun attempted to contact Han multiple times but was unsuccessful. She even waited at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, but did not meet him.
On March 2, the party's nomination management committee announced that both Kim Young-sun and Kim Sang-min had been cut off from the nomination process. This announcement came a day after Kim Young-sun met with reformist party members Lee Jun-seok and Cheon Ha-ram. Myung Tae-kyun claimed that both Lee and Cheon were made aware of the situation at that time.
In a conversation with a reporter, an unnamed party member stated that after the exclusion of Kim Young-sun and Kim Sang-min, the relationship between Han Dong-hoon and the presidential office reportedly worsened. Allegations of favoritism within the party have also surfaced.
The special investigation team looking into the allegations against Myung Tae-kyun is reportedly also examining the claims of Kim Geon-hee's involvement in the nominations. Myung's side claims that there is a recorded conversation involving Kim Young-sun, Kim Geon-hee, and other lawmakers. In response, a ruling party official stated that Myung has been spreading unfounded claims through his lawyer, suggesting an attempt to manipulate public opinion against President Yoon's administration.
