In May of last year, Jo Seong-eun, former Vice Chairman of the United Future Party (now People Power Party) Central Election Committee, was seen leaving after meeting with then Floor Leader Joo Ho-young at the National Assembly. (Photo by Yonhap News)
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Jo Seong-eun (33), the whistleblower in the allegation of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol’s involvement in soliciting accusations, refuted claims that Park Ji-won, the Director of the National Intelligence Service, is behind her by stating that despite being a "young and inexperienced woman," she has made responsible decisions in every election without any hidden backers.
On the 12th, Jo stated on her Facebook, "As the person who made the public interest report (from the opposition), I have the natural rights to do so, yet I am subjected to personal insults and threats," expressing her stance.
On the same day, opposition parties attacked, calling it a "political conspiracy by the ruling party," after Jo reportedly met with Director Park following her disclosure of the accusation solicitation allegations to the media.
Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party and former head of Yoon’s presidential campaign situation room, held a press conference in the morning, saying, "There are suspicions that Director Park interfered in the presidential election to eliminate a leading opposition candidate."
In response to these claims, Jo emphasized, "Regardless of political colors, I believe I have maintained professional and personal trust with those I have worked with for years," adding, "Having a friendly relationship with ruling party figures is not a matter for controversy."
She further declared her intention to actively respond, saying, "They will not be able to evade by trying to crush me personally."
Jo explained, "They may want to say that as a 'young woman,' I cannot dare to judge or decide and that someone is behind me, but since 2014, I have had experience in roles with responsibility and decision-making in every election?from planning election public relations, serving as a nomination screening committee member for the 2015-2016 National Assembly elections, acting as an emergency countermeasure committee member (supreme council member) during the impeachment, setting the 2017 presidential primary rules, to being the head of the comprehensive election situation office."
Meanwhile, Jo acknowledged, "The content of former Prosecutor General Yoon’s opposition accusation solicitation case is grave and serious," and admitted, "I have personal resentment and anger towards reporter Lee Jin-dong of 'News Bus,' who first reported the story."
She added, "However, even if I were a reporter, I would have thought that such a serious case must be reported. The truth should come out, and those responsible must be held accountable."
She warned, "The attitude of undermining the dignity and acting like swindlers will eventually lead to the worst outcome. If I am inevitably assigned a role in this case, they will not be able to evade by trying to crush me personally."
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