[Current Affairs Show] Park Wonseok: "The President Is Emerging as the Central Figure in the Local Election Landscape"

Min Junggi Special Prosecutor Case: Hard to Dismiss Intentionality or Deliberateness
Kang Hoonshik's Candidacy Gains Momentum After Daejeon?Chungnam Administrative Integration Proposal
Senior Lawmakers' Criticism of Jang Donghyuk Seen as an Ultimatum

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily 'So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show' (Monday to Friday, 4-5 PM)

■ Host: Political Specialist So Jongseop ■ Producer: Lee Miri

■ Guest: Former Justice Party lawmaker Park Wonseok (December 19)

So Jongseop: The investigation into the 'Unification Church bribery allegations' is progressing rapidly. The former chief secretary to President Han Hakja has been questioned, and former Minister Jeon Jaesu has also been summoned for questioning. How do you view the overall direction of the investigation and what do you expect will happen going forward?

Park Wonseok: It seems that the authorities are also conscious of the statute of limitations, and since there are ongoing calls for a special prosecutor, the police appear to have a strong sense of purpose to produce tangible results. The key issue is that, aside from testimonies, there is still no clear physical evidence or additional circumstances. Other than the claims made by Yoon Youngho, the former head of the Unification Church World Headquarters, no concrete evidence has been presented. Some additional circumstances have come to light. For example, these individuals gave congratulatory speeches at events, the Unification Church purchased books written by these lawmakers, or they visited campaign offices and took photos together... These are circumstantial pieces of evidence, but there is still no direct proof of bribery.

So, the authorities are likely analyzing the results of the recent searches to see if any new evidence has emerged, and we'll have to wait and see if any clues are found from the two-day search of the Unification Church's Cheonjeonggung. While the investigation is moving quickly and the scope is expanding, I don't think any decisive evidence has surfaced yet. According to a Gallup poll, there is considerable public opinion in favor of appointing a special prosecutor for this case. The public sees the Unification Church's all-out lobbying efforts toward politicians as a very serious issue and believes that a police investigation alone cannot guarantee the fairness of the probe. It's not just about speeding up the investigation-the outcome is what really matters.

So Jongseop: According to media reports, there was a special briefing by President Han in 2018 and the TM schedule in 2019, which refers to True Mother Han Hakja's schedule. The name Jeon Jaesu appears in those records, and the police have even identified the watch in question as a Bulgari watch. Isn't it possible that the police have secured evidence beyond Yoon's testimony?
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Jeon Jaesu, Apparently Met with President Han Hakja as Well. No Evidence of Money Exchanged

Park Wonseok: It's hard to rule out. Based on media reports, it is clear that 'Assemblyman Jeon Jaesu had frequent contact with the Unification Church.' It seems he also met with President Han Hakja. When he appeared today, he was asked about it but did not answer. He sent congratulatory messages or delivered speeches at Unification Church events, took photos holding President Han Hakja's books-of course, Assemblyman Jeon Jaesu has his own explanation for these actions. He says that during the campaign, if someone visits the campaign office and asks for a photo, who would refuse? That argument makes some sense-these things happen quite often in politics. So, it's not that he had no contact at all with the Unification Church; there was considerable interaction. However, there is still no evidence showing that money changed hands. The only thing that has come out is that 'the Unification Church purchased 500 copies of his book.' There is a record of this in the Unification Church's internal ledger, and it has been confirmed that Yoon, the former headquarters chief, made the payment.

Jeon Jae-su, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea suspected of receiving money from the Unification Church, is appearing before the Special Investigation Team of the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 19th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

So Jongseop: There is also testimony from someone who saw the stacked books.

Park Wonseok: Assemblyman Jeon Jaesu claims that the purchase was made legitimately through the publisher and that even a tax invoice was issued, so he argues there is nothing wrong. However, this could still be problematic. Buying books at publication events falls into a gray area under the Political Funds Act. Strictly speaking, if the law were applied rigorously, this could be an issue, but it has traditionally been outside the scope of the law. If the authorities determine that the Unification Church purchased a large quantity of Jeon Jaesu's books for a specific purpose, it could be considered bribery. The watch has not been found yet. Since this happened a long time ago, it may be difficult to locate. Assemblyman Jeon Jaesu is denying all the allegations, so it remains to be seen how much the investigation team can prove. The testimony of Yoon, the former headquarters chief who could be seen as the provider, is also wavering. At first, he said he gave the money, then later said he only heard or saw it being given, and now he is even denying that to some extent.

So Jongseop: The statute of limitations is also a sensitive issue, isn't it?

Jeon Jaesu Would Find It Difficult to Run for Busan Mayor Even If Only Indicted

Park Wonseok: Judging by the contents of the warrant, it appears to be treated as bribery. Beyond violations of the Political Funds Act, it is being viewed as a case of lobbying for the Korea-Japan undersea tunnel and bribery in return for that lobbying. If the bribe is worth less than 30 million won, the statute of limitations under the Criminal Act is seven years, which means not much time is left. If it exceeds 30 million won, the aggravated punishment law applies, and the statute of limitations is 10 years. That's why the value of the Bulgari watch is so important. He has already resigned as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries and has suffered significant political damage, but the key issue is whether he will be punished for this. If the case proceeds to prosecution, even just being indicted would make it virtually impossible for him to run for Busan mayor.

So Jongseop: Isn't the statute of limitations issue also tied to the problem of the Min Junggi special prosecutor?

Park Wonseok: That's why I find the special prosecutor situation so puzzling. The confession of the crime was obtained from the suspect Yoon Youngho. They collected criminal information. But when it came to the criminal information of person A-Kwon Seongdong-and person B-Jeon Jaesu-they investigated A but excluded B from the scope of the investigation and simply set it aside. Even if we accept that, they should have immediately transferred the case. But they sat on it for four months, and only after media reports began did they assign a case number and transfer it. It's hard to believe there was no intention or deliberateness. That's why there is talk of abuse of authority and dereliction of duty, and the case has now been handed over to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The concern is whether the CIO will conduct a proper investigation, as there have been very few cases where the CIO has prosecuted anyone.

So Jongseop: President Lee Jaemyung has proposed the administrative integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province, which will inevitably affect next year's local elections.

After the Daejeon-Chungnam Administrative Integration Proposal, 'Kang Hoonshik Candidacy Theory' Gains Momentum

Park Wonseok: There is no disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties. In fact, as you mentioned, the opposition party has been more proactive on this issue.The bill has already been introduced. Mayor Lee Jangwoo of Daejeon and Governor Kim Taeheum have declared this regardless of whether the bill passes the National Assembly. On top of that, the president has gone a step further, proposing to do this before next year's local elections and to elect a single special mayor for the integrated Daejeon-Chungnam region during the election. I view this positively.

But would the president have raised this issue for no reason? Some interpret this as a political strategy ahead of next year's local elections. There is speculation that Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik is at the center of efforts to reshape the local election landscape in the Daejeon-Chungnam region. I think such interpretations are possible, and the ruling party is not denying it. In that sense, there does seem to be a certain political objective. The opposition party will inevitably feel a sense of urgency.They have no choice but to reconsider their strategy, and there may be talk within the People Power Party about the need for alternatives beyond Kim Taeheum and Lee Jangwoo.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs briefing held on the 18th in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

So Jongseop: President Lee Jaemyung seems to be taking direct control of the election landscape ahead of next year's local elections. What is your view?

Park Wonseok: That trend is apparent. Especially through the format of work reports, the president appears to be naturally stepping into the local election arena. Not long ago, he also mentioned health insurance coverage for hair loss, which was a campaign pledge in the past. After taking office, there had been no action on it, but raising it again through a work report is seen as a move with the election in mind. There are still many more work reports to come, and I believe the president can use these opportunities to take the lead on election agendas and policies.

Through work reports or town hall meetings, the president could end up elevating or sidelining certain candidates. Of course, if this becomes too blatant, there could be significant backlash. There may be criticism within the party that the president is intervening too much, and the party needs to maintain its own competitiveness, but if the president takes control too early, it could stifle competition. However, President Lee Jaemyung is not someone who lacks a sense of timing. So, the president is naturally emerging as the central figure in the local election landscape, and the opposition should be very nervous. Moreover, the opposition is currently in poor shape, and if the president rolls up his sleeves, it will be even more difficult for them.

So Jongseop: Former leader Han Donghun and former candidate Kim Moonsoo made headlines after sharing a "love shot" at a gathering.

Kim Moonsoo and Han Donghun's "Love Shot" May Have Limited Real Impact, But Likely Encouraged Han

Park Wonseok: When asked, they said they didn't know the other would be there. In the last presidential election, Kim Moonsoo and Han Donghun faced off fiercely in the final round. But it seems there are not many lingering hard feelings, especially on Kim Moonsoo's side. Kim Moonsoo is known for his straightforward personality,and he believes that for the party to succeed, it needs future politicians with diverse strengths. He appears to be very negative about efforts to exclude such figures from the party.

But will this have any real impact? Kim Moonsoo has no sitting lawmakers in his camp. In the last party convention, he ran without the support of any incumbent lawmakers. While he still has some influence among party members, sitting lawmakers are very important, so his influence is expected to be quite limited. Nevertheless, it likely provided significant psychological comfort and support to Han Donghun.

At that gathering, there were both former and current district party chairs, with many from Kim Moonsoo's side. This could be an opportunity for Han Donghun to change his relationship with those individuals, so there is nothing negative about it. However, some have exaggerated this to suggest that a coalition is forming to undermine Jang Donghyuk's leadership, but I think that's an overstatement.

So Jongseop: The so-called "party forum controversy" continues within the People Power Party.

Jang Donghyuk Cuts Off Opportunities for the Opposition to Seize the Initiative

Park Wonseok: The problem is with leader Jang Donghyuk. Looking at the grounds for disciplining former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk, can you really not criticize in a democratic party? The opposition has had opportunities to seize the initiative whenever the ruling party faces various setbacks, but Jang Donghyuk has been cutting off those opportunities.

Isn't that the case? In the past, when Yoon Seokyeol's prison visit became an issue, it overshadowed negative issues for the opposition, such as real estate policies, and instead put Yoon's visit at the forefront. More recently, the party failed to respond properly to the Daejang-dong appeal withdrawal, making Han Donghun appear more prominent, and the special prosecutor issue regarding the Unification Church has been diluted by the disciplinary action against Kim Jonghyuk.

There is criticism that Jang Donghyuk himself is the one causing internal strife. The disciplinary action itself lacks justification, and the issue over the party forum, even if Han Donghun's family posted something, is an old matter. It was directed at Yoon Seokyeol and Kim Keonhee, and it's hard to see it as a serious violation. Ultimately, what is the point of bringing it up now? Is there any evidence that Han Donghun ordered it? If the disciplinary action is challenged in court, there is a high chance it will be overturned. Jang Donghyuk is currently going against the demands of many within the party.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

So Jongseop: Recently, senior lawmakers from the Yeongnam region have also voiced criticism.

The Criticism from Senior Lawmakers Should Be Seen as an Ultimatum

Park Wonseok: I see it as an ultimatum. They are saying they will not stand by any longer. This shows how serious public opinion is. So why is Jang Donghyuk the only one who doesn't see it? 'One internal enemy is more frightening than fifty external enemies.' That is what really matters right now, as their statements indicate.

This is a complete misstep. If things continue like this, the party will not be able to overcome the current political situation.

So Jongseop: What do you think about the political moves and choices of former leader Han Donghun and former leader Lee Junseok?

Park Wonseok: Former leader Han Donghun must be frustrated. He is probably looking at a longer political timeline. He is leaving open the possibility of running in the local by-elections, but would it be easy to get the party nomination? Unless Jang Donghyuk's leadership collapses and there is a dramatic change, it won't be easy. Han Donghun and his allies also seem to be taking a long-term view. The Reform New Party probably won't have high expectations. Their realistic goal seems to be to achieve some results in the three- or four-member local council districts during the local elections.