Civic Group to Publish Personal Life of Candidates

A conflict is brewing in political circles following the announcement by the Citizen's Coalition for Fair Election (CCFE) that they would reveal personal information on the candidates running in the upcoming election.

CCFE stated that they would post the names of candidates who have marital problems on Wednesday.

To Hui-yun, a director at the CCFE, said, "One candidate did not reply to our requests for explanatory materials. We are holding materials that indicate that he has complicated private life. We will disclose the information and demand that he state his position in public." To also added, "We are investigating 3-4 candidates who have problems in their private life, and we will post the names within this week."

However, discussing a candidate's private life is very controversial. A candidate and his or her family suddenly lose their right to privacy.

A judge from the Seoul District Court pointed out, "The interests of the public are important, but the constitution guarantees the privacy of the individual."

The CCFE said, "The committee members argued bitterly over the decision. Still, the public nature of a legislator's position transcends the privacy issue. Therefore, we have decided to post the nams."

by Lee Sang-bok