Political Controversy: Lee Won-taek Responds to Allegations in Jeonbuk Gubernatorial Race

Lee Won-taek, confirmed as the Democratic Party’s candidate for governor of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, expressed regret that Ahn Ho-young’s camp has continued political attacks after the primary and said he will respond firmly to what he called one-sided, factually inaccurate allegations.

In a statement on April 19, Lee said he deeply regretted the series of allegations Ahn and several young people raised at a press conference on April 18 regarding the so-called “Jeongeup restaurant gathering.”

He urged investigators to move quickly, saying the repeated spread of claims that differ from the facts is troubling.

On the question of who paid the bill, Lee said, “I had no involvement in the payment process for that meal. The meal expenses for my staff and me were handled separately. I did not know the overall payment method or process in advance, nor was I in a position to influence it.”

He called characterizing the payment as a “third-party settlement” an overreach made without verifying the facts. “This matter will be determined objectively by investigators, and I will fully cooperate by providing all necessary materials and information,” he added.

Lee said the meeting was arranged at the request of local young people and that he attended only as an invited guest. “It was not a prearranged event organized for a specific political purpose, as some have suggested. Rather, it was a voluntary forum where a range of young people came together to communicate,” he said.

He insisted the gathering was a roundtable discussion on youth policy and local issues. “I answered questions from young people and explained policy directions. I did not solicit support or engage in campaigning,” he said.

Lee noted that numerous attendees and independent witnesses at the scene testified that conversations covered policy, culture and the arts, and local problems — testimony that contradicts claims the event was a campaign rally. He said he left early because of his schedule, and that assertions he remained until the end are inaccurate.

“Although the restaurant owner and several attendees have confirmed these facts, it is regrettable that Ahn Ho-young’s camp drew conclusions based on partial claims and escalated them into political attacks,” he said, adding that he expects a swift, thorough investigation to establish the objective truth and to resolve the matter using all verifiable evidence, including CCTV.

Lee denied rumors that the Democratic Party has reopened an internal probe into him. He said party officials only interviewed a few attendees at the opposing campaign’s request and did not initiate a fresh review to overturn the candidate selection. He called the rumors false smears and said he will correct inaccurate claims and quietly carry out his responsibilities as the Democratic nominee.