Hwang Kyo-ik: "Park Geun-hye may have made and gifted a 'gold watch' for Lee Man-hee"

[Source - Hwang Kyo-ik Facebook]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik raised suspicions regarding the watch worn by Lee Man-hee, the president of Cheonji Yesugyo Jeungyo Jangmakseongjeon (Shincheonji), at a press conference, which has been embroiled in controversy over its authenticity as a watch belonging to former President Park Geun-hye. He suggested, "Former President Park may have had the watch made and gifted it to Lee Man-hee."

On the 3rd, Hwang posted on his Facebook, "To prove the claim that Lee Man-hee's gold-plated Park Geun-hye watch is fake, the existence of the gold-plated watch claimed to be genuine must be confirmed," adding, "Park Geun-hye's close aides who claim the watch is genuine should present the watch and provide evidence that it is authentic."

He continued, "A comparison between Lee Man-hee's gold-plated Park Geun-hye watch and the genuine gold-plated Park Geun-hye watch must be made to prove that the watch is fake," and said, "Nevertheless, it cannot be definitively concluded that Lee Man-hee's watch is fake because Park Geun-hye may have had the watch made exclusively for Lee Man-hee as a gift."

Hwang also stated, "To solve this dilemma, a large-scale search and seizure of Lee Man-hee and Park Geun-hye's close aides is essential, as well as a confrontation interrogation between Park Geun-hye and Lee Man-hee. Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol has a lot of work to do."

[Source - Hwang Kyo-ik Facebook]

Earlier, on the 2nd, Hwang also claimed, "To the close aides of Park Geun-hye who say Lee Man-hee's gold-plated watch is fake, it is time to question whether you are truly 'Jinbak' (true Park supporters)," and urged, "Fake expert Yoon Seok-yeol should immediately indict Lee Man-hee, investigate officials from the Park Geun-hye administration as witnesses, and conduct search and seizures at the homes of those who might have received Park Geun-hye's watch."

The Shincheonji side explained regarding the controversy, "The Park Geun-hye watch was given by an elder five years ago, but we do not know if it is genuine or fake," and added, "There is also a watch received during the tenure of National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun." They also stated that there was no political intention involved.