Seoul: The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Friday heightened its political offensive against the ruling Democratic Party (DP) following bribery allegations involving a lawmaker who was recently expelled from the party. The PPP is advocating for an in-depth investigation through the appointment of a special counsel.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the DP is currently embroiled in a controversy concerning allegations that an aide of Representative Kang Sun-woo accepted a sum of 100 million won (approximately US$69,250) from a Seoul city councilor. The alleged bribe was purportedly in exchange for securing a nomination in the run-up to the 2022 local elections. In response to these allegations, the DP expelled Kang on Thursday, shortly after she announced her departure from the party.

PPP floor leader Rep. Song Eon-seog criticized the DP's response, urging the necessity of a special counsel investigation. "The DP should not try to brush this over with a slap-on-the-wrist disciplinary show," Song stated. He further emphasized that special counsel investigations, which the DP often supports, are appropriate for situations of this gravity.

The bribery case has gained significant public attention following the release of an audio recording by a local media outlet. The recording features Kang discussing the matter with Rep. Kim Byung-kee, who was serving as the secretary of the DP's Seoul nomination committee at the time. Kim, who is also facing other allegations of misconduct, stepped down from the party's floor leadership on Tuesday. The DP has indicated plans to implement disciplinary actions against Kim.

Rep. Choi Eun-seok, the PPP's senior floor spokesperson, highlighted the seriousness of the allegations in a commentary, stating, "The allegations of payments in exchange for nominations are a grave matter that could seriously damage trust in nomination and election procedures, which are central to democracy."