Yoon Mi-hyang, a member-elect of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has been suspected of accounting fraud related to the Justice Memory Solidarity, is holding a press conference to explain the matter on the 29th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Yoon Mi-hyang, the proportional representative-elect of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is under suspicion of misusing sponsorship funds and overpaying for the 'Anseong Shelter,' came forward with an explanation just before the National Assembly session. While denying various allegations, she expressed apologies for parts that were revealed to be true.
On the 29th, at a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Office, Yoon said, "The 30 years of Jeong Dae-hyeop were possible because the victim grandmothers, the people, and global citizens stood together," and added, "I sincerely apologize for causing deep wounds and concerns to everyone who trusted and entrusted me." She continued, "I will not cling to the (National Assembly member) position and will clarify all suspicions without any doubt until the people judge it sufficient," and stated, "The claim that I never delivered money raised for cash support to the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery is not true."
Regarding the suspicion that the 'Anseong Shelter (House where Healing and Peace Meet)' was purchased at a price higher than the market value, she claimed, "It is completely untrue that it was purchased for more than 400 million won above the market price," and explained, "We tried our best to lower the seller's asking price of 900 million won at the time, and the final transaction was made at 750 million won."
She also denied the claim that she did not inform the grandmothers about the 2015 Korea-Japan agreement despite knowing its contents, criticizing, "I deeply regret that the responsibility of the diplomatic authorities who forced a secret agreement is being shifted to Jeong Dae-hyeop and me."
Democratic Party of Korea elected member Yoon Mee-hyang is leaving the building through the underground parking lot after stating her position on the accounting allegations of the Justice Memory Solidarity at the National Assembly Communication Office on the afternoon of the 29th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
However, she also expressed apologies for some facts. Regarding the suspicion of collecting and misusing Jeong Dae-hyeop sponsorship funds in a personal account, she admitted, "If it was not for all the grandmothers, I collected funds into my account as the representative, but it was a wrong judgment. I apologize for acting carelessly."
She also apologized to Grandmother Lee Yong-soo and asked for forgiveness. Yoon said, "I am in a situation where I have become a betrayer to Grandmother Lee Yong-soo," and added, "I have been active since 1992 for 30 years, but I failed to communicate delicately with her and was not trusted; I apologize for that." She continued, "I realized that my apology to her is nothing but an excuse, but I intend to continue apologizing in the future."
Regarding appointing her father as the manager of the Anseong Shelter, she said, "Because it was impossible to leave the purchased house as it was, I sought a way to at least manage it," and added, "I asked my father to take on the work with minimal labor costs, but I think it was wrong. I am sorry."
Meanwhile, a representative of a civic group related to the Japanese military sexual slavery movement expressed a skeptical view of the press conference. The representative said, "I thought she would assert herself rather than resign or take other actions, and it seems to have proceeded as expected," adding, "There is nothing particularly meaningful to be attributed to this." They continued, "Suspicion still remains and has not been resolved," and said, "Since Grandmother Lee Yong-soo also emphasized the prosecution's investigation, it should be examined by investigative authorities."
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