"Much of the Yoon Mihyang Allegations Clarified at Press Conference"
"We Must Not Allow 'Political Prosecution'"
On Leaving the Courtroom During Trial:
"My Request to Postpone the Trial Was Not Accepted"
[Asia Economy, reporter Won Dara] Choi Kangwook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, held his first press conference since the start of the 21st National Assembly and stated that if the prosecution does not properly investigate the alleged perjury inducement in the "Han Myeong-sook case," it will become a matter for the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
At a press briefing held at the National Assembly on the morning of June 2, Choi Kangwook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, was asked about his position on the reinvestigation of the "former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook case." He responded, "'Reinvestigation' is not the appropriate term. An immediate investigation is needed into the newly revealed criminal facts." He added, "The prosecution must resolve this issue as a matter of self-reflection. If the prosecution neglects such work, it will naturally become a case for the CIO to investigate."
He continued, "If that does not proceed properly, it must be pushed forward through a parliamentary investigation or other means. The most urgent task for the National Assembly is to launch the CIO," he emphasized.
When asked about his position on Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Mihyang, Choi said, "Many of the facts were clarified at Yoon Mihyang's previous press conference. I believe the prosecution and some media outlets, who continue to raise issues, are acting inappropriately."
He criticized, "Whenever something happens, so-called 'ghost civic groups' file complaints, the prosecution investigates, and people accept whatever the prosecution says as the truth. This behavior must now be reconsidered." He added, "We must not allow another witch hunt. The prosecution is unusually ordering a swift investigation. I hope this does not mark the beginning of yet another era of political prosecution."
Choi also addressed the fact that he left the courtroom during his trial to attend the National Assembly press briefing, saying, "I hoped the trial would end quickly, but the prosecution kept insisting on further explanations and delayed the proceedings, which made me late for the press conference."
Regarding the overlap between his trial date and the press briefing, he explained, "During the process of setting the trial date, I mentioned that the schedule could become uncertain around the National Assembly's opening. The judge told me to request a change at that time, so I applied for a postponement, but it was not granted. As a result, I had no choice but to attend both."
He said, "Reporters who accompanied me to the courtroom asked whether the press conference was intentionally scheduled for the same day as the trial, knowing the trial date in advance. I realized once again that strange or malicious interpretations could arise." He added, "No defendant would ever want their trial to be prolonged or extended. For someone like me, who feels deeply wronged, there is absolutely no reason to delay the trial."
Regarding the future direction of the Open Democratic Party, Choi stated, "We will ensure that the National Assembly operates normally and that reform legislation passes so that institutional reforms can be fully achieved."
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