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Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a meeting titled "Seeds of Innovation-driven Growth: Startup Level-Up!" at a shared office space in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on May 29. / Source: Lee Byung-hwa

Various controversies surrounding Lee Dong-ho, the eldest son of Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, are emerging as a potential wild card in the final days of the presidential race.

The issue gained traction after New Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok’s remarks referencing "chopsticks" sparked renewed scrutiny. It has since been revealed that Lee Dong-ho had posted sexually explicit content online and was fined 5 million won last year for illegal gambling. The controversy has now spread in an unexpected direction, prompting speculation that it could sway the race with only four days remaining before the June 3 election.

On May 29, political circles engaged in fierce debate over Lee Dong-ho’s alleged "obscene posts and habitual illegal gambling."

Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly, Lee Jun-seok stated, "My remarks were not fabricated but were a toned-down version of what Lee Dong-ho himself posted on an online forum," adding, "My questioning was not merely provocative but part of a step-by-step verification process."

Further allegations surfaced that Lee Dong-ho was involved in habitual illegal gambling, with transactions totaling 230 million won. "There are records indicating that Lee Dong-ho made over 700 illegal gambling deposits amounting to around 230 million won over nearly two years," Lee Jun-seok claimed. "Is Lee Jae-myung truly fit to lead the country?" he asked.

In response, the Democratic Party acknowledged that the allegations pertain to "past incidents" but said it would pursue legal action against Lee Jun-seok.

At a briefing, party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae said, "Lee Jun-seok’s claims relate to issues raised during the 2022 presidential election, at which time Lee Jae-myung, as a presidential candidate and as a father, apologized to the public."

Cho continued, "Lee Dong-ho underwent a rigorous investigation and trial and was ultimately fined 5 million won. He has already accepted legal responsibility for his actions. To revive this as if it were a new issue just five days before the election is misleading."

The ruling People Power Party launched an aggressive attack, calling the matter "like father, like son." Floor leader Kweon Seong-dong said, "If one cannot manage their family, how can they govern a nation?" Representative Ahn Cheol-soo added, "We must prevent a presidential family in which every member has a criminal record or allegations of wrongdoing." The party also announced plans to pursue criminal complaints regarding Lee Dong-ho’s illegal gambling and possible tax evasion.

Political observers are now closely watching how this controversy may influence the election outcome.

When asked about the issue, Lee Jae-myung declined to give a direct response, saying instead, "I hope this election will be a time for serious reflection on the fate of the nation."

From the perspective of People Power Party candidate Kwon Moon-soo, Lee Jun-seok’s willingness to take on controversy could provide a strategic advantage — a so-called "using one rival to check another" tactic.