When asked, "Did you consult with the party leadership?" the response was "Absolutely not"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Park Deok-heum, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party who is under suspicion of receiving preferential large-scale construction contracts from supervised institutions through a family-owned construction company as a member of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, announced his resignation from the party on the 23rd.
On the same day, Park held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office and said, "Since the allegations raised so far are related to me personally, I thought it was right to give up my party membership so as not to burden the party while clarifying the truth."
Park said, "I sincerely apologize for causing worry and concern due to the allegations and media reports surrounding me," and added, "I express deep regret over the distorted reports by the ruling party and the majority of the media."
Park stated, "I was on the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee to demonstrate expertise because I was very well aware of the difficulties in the construction industry field," and emphasized, "There was absolutely no use of my position to satisfy personal greed."
He added, "The fall of fairness and justice under the current administration has reached its peak following the Cho Kuk incident last year and the Yoon Mi-hyang and Choo Mi-ae incidents," and said, "I want to clearly point out that the current administration is trying to escape the crisis by making me a scapegoat with political intentions."
Park said, "I feel deeply indebted to my fellow lawmakers and party comrades," and continued, "That debt of the heart can only be repaid after overcoming the lonely fight standing alone in the wilderness and proving my innocence myself." He then emphasized, "As an independent lawmaker, I will stand against unfair political attacks and reveal the truth to the end."
When asked if he decided to leave the party after consulting with the party leadership, Park replied, "Absolutely not."
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