Controversy Surrounds High Costs of South Korean Election Consulting

South Korean Election Candidates Paying Millions for Election Consulting Packages

As the upcoming April 10th general election approaches, election planning firms have been revealed to be selling election consulting packages worth millions of won to prospective candidates. These packages offer comprehensive services ranging from image consulting to election strategy development, specifically targeting novice politicians with limited election experience or support staff. However, criticism has been raised due to the fact that many of these firms are also responsible for conducting public opinion polls related to the nomination and primary processes of major political parties, raising concerns of potential conflicts of interest.

A-Consulting Provides Consulting Packages to Prospective Candidates

According to a contract obtained by Dong-A Ilbo on the 8th, consulting firm A-Consulting charges a total of 20 million won to provide a package that includes image concept development, strategic planning, campaign direction, message consulting, and promotional consulting to prospective candidates. This can be seen as a ‘campaign package’ similar to the package concept in the wedding industry, including studio photography, dresses, and makeup.

High Costs and Controversies Surrounding Election Consulting

Prospective candidates express concerns about the high costs of election consulting. The basic package starts at 20 million won, and the overall cost increases to billions of won as the election campaign intensifies, including expenses for local constituency surveys, campaign banners, and campaign vehicles. Some candidates complain about subjective service pricing, stating that the cost varies depending on the requested content.

Concerns About Conflicts of Interest in Election Consulting

One of the major concerns is that election planning firms that provide consulting services to prospective candidates also perform suitability evaluations for major political parties. Among the six companies responsible for the suitability evaluations of the Democratic Party of Korea, three directly sell election consulting packages or provide related products through partner companies.

Prospective Candidates Express Concerns About Fair Competition and Misuse of Opinion Polls

Some prospective candidates raise concerns about unfair competition, questioning whether consulting firms conducting opinion polls receive money from specific candidates and provide consulting services. They also question whether the information obtained through opinion polls can be used in consulting services. Despite the financial burden, some prospective candidates feel compelled to seek consulting services due to the fear of disadvantages.

Proposals for Regulations to Prevent Conflicts of Interest in Election Consulting

Professor Lee Hyun-cheol from Konkuk University’s Department of Political Science and Diplomacy suggests introducing regulations that prohibit election planning firms from providing consulting services to prospective candidates running in areas where they conducted opinion polls. This is to address potential conflicts of interest.

Controversy Surrounding Election Consulting Services Provided by Opinion Poll Companies

Some argue that it is unfair for opinion poll companies to provide election consulting services, comparing it to a situation where a test examiner provides private tutoring. While some consulting companies acknowledge that this could be a problem, there are currently no legal regulations in place to address this issue.

High Costs and Controversies Surrounding Election Consulting

Prospective candidates express concerns about the high costs of election consulting. The basic package starts at 20 million won and can increase to billions of won as the election campaign intensifies. Candidates worry about the economic burden.

Novice Politicians Relying on Election Consulting Firms

Experienced politicians with strong local support networks can rely on aides or staff members for assistance, but novice politicians with limited resources and information often turn to election consulting firms for help. They recognize the need to focus on various aspects such as messaging, campaign slogans, and strategies in order to navigate the complex process of an election campaign.

Both Parties Seeking Election Consulting Services During the Nomination and Primary Periods

As the nomination and primary races become more competitive, prospective candidates from both major political parties seek election consulting services to alleviate their concerns. These consulting firms have been involved in the nomination processes and public opinion polls of major political parties, and the information obtained has led to candidates seeking their services despite the economic burden.

Regulations Needed to Address Concerns about Election Consulting

Due to structural issues surrounding election consulting, concerns about ‘industry cartels’ and conflicts of interest have been raised. Some prospective candidates propose restrictions on individuals who have been involved in party affairs from providing consulting services until the next election, in order to ensure fairness.

Election Costs Soar as Campaigns Intensify

As election campaigns intensify, costs skyrocket into the billions of won range. In addition to consulting fees, expenses for public opinion polls, campaign banners, and campaign vehicles add to the financial burden of prospective candidates.

Election Consulting Firms Provide Specialized Services

Election consulting firms offer various specialized services, including speechwriting, media response strategies, enhancing public awareness, and online response strategies. Some firms even arrange interviews with local media outlets and provide advice on survey methods. These additional services come at an additional cost.

Prospective Candidates Express Concerns about Fairness and Transparency

Prospective candidates who have received proposals from election consulting firms find it difficult to ignore the nature of the nomination process. Some firms responsible for suitability evaluations of political parties provide consulting services either directly or through partner companies to avoid external criticism of fairness. This raises concerns about fairness and transparency.

Structural Issues Surrounding Election Consulting Highlighted

Structural issues within the election consulting industry have led to concerns about ‘industry cartels’ and conflicts of interest. Prospective candidates express unease about individuals who have been involved in party affairs providing consulting services and potentially gaining unfair advantages.

Experts Call for Measures to Address Election Consulting Controversies

Experts suggest measures such as restricting individuals who have been involved in party affairs from providing consulting services or establishing regulations to ensure transparency and fairness within the industry to address the controversies surrounding election consulting.