Jim Rogers endorsement dispute intensified on Monday, following fresh denials by the US investor that he supports Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung. The controversy erupted last week when the Democratic Party claimed Rogers had issued a letter endorsing Lee’s presidential bid. However, Rogers quickly rejected those claims in multiple interviews and statements.
In an email to The Korea Herald, Rogers said, “I do not support or endorse or anything any candidate there.” His response came amid growing debate over the letter’s authenticity. Nevertheless, Democratic Party affiliates continued defending the letter’s legitimacy.
Kim Jin-hyang, former head of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, doubled down on the claim at a party press event. He insisted Rogers had indeed expressed support for Lee. Kim issued a joint statement with Song Kyung-ho, a professor at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, who also backed the claim.
Song stated he spoke with Rogers via WeChat from May 26 to 29. During those exchanges, he said Rogers agreed to release a letter publicly. Song further alleged that Rogers even asked him to draft a letter expressing support for Lee’s candidacy.
Jim Rogers endorsement dispute became more complicated when Song and Kim shared screenshots of the WeChat conversation. Rogers replied “Thanks! This is fine” in response to a draft letter. Yet, the version Rogers approved reportedly struck a more moderate tone. It praised Lee’s pragmatic leadership without explicitly stating support.
The Democratic Party later shared a more forceful version of the letter. It claimed Rogers “strongly supports Lee Jae-myung” and described Lee as “a leader with courage and vision.” The message ended with a direct political appeal: “The choice is Lee Jae-myung.”
Democratic Party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae admitted the statement went through edits. However, he dismissed accusations of deception, calling fraud allegations “excessive.” Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung posted on Facebook that he welcomed Rogers’ support, citing the investor’s interest in Korean economic integration.
The People Power Party responded by filing a formal complaint with prosecutors. They accused Lee and party officials of spreading false information and damaging public trust. Interim Chair Kim Yong-tae labelled the claims as “an international fraud.”
Jim Rogers endorsement dispute now poses legal risks for Democratic Party officials. Critics argue they exaggerated or altered private messages to manufacture foreign political support. Legal experts say prosecutors may investigate violations of election law and defamation.
Despite the backlash, the Democratic Party has not retracted its statements. Meanwhile, Rogers continues denying any formal endorsement, leaving the party scrambling to explain the messaging gap. Jim Rogers endorsement dispute reveals the political sensitivity surrounding foreign influence during South Korea’s heated election season.
