On September 22, Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, directed the party's ethics surveillance team to investigate Jang Se-il, the mayor of Yeonggwang County, regarding allegations of bribery. This directive came after an online media outlet, Citizen Media New Investigation, reported that Jang's child received a check worth 30 million won from a private contractor shortly before the upcoming re-election for the mayoral position in September 2024. Jeong emphasized the urgency and need for a clear and swift investigation into the matter.

The allegations suggest that Jang Se-il may have received significant amounts of bribes, totaling up to 350 million won, in exchange for favorable contracts. The case highlights the political pressures and public scrutiny associated with local elections, especially in light of the imminent re-election for the mayor. The Democratic Party's swift action to investigate shows its commitment to address corruption claims, which could have important implications for its image and voter trust ahead of the elections.

In response to the allegations, Jang's side has claimed that the person who was purportedly offering the bribe was rejected, and that the video's context was manipulated to misrepresent the situation. This assertion underscores the complexities and contentious nature of the investigation and the political landscape in local governance. How this situation unfolds could significantly impact the upcoming electoral process in Yeonggwang County.