Comprehensive Criticism of Druking Comment Manipulation and Spy Ring Incident
Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, and lawmakers are holding an emergency party meeting on the 17th at the fountain square in front of the Blue House in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The People Power Party held an emergency party meeting in front of the Blue House and intensified criticism of the Moon Jae-in administration. Ahead of the presidential primary, they comprehensively mentioned issues such as the Druking comment manipulation scandal, the Chungbuk Dongjihoe spy group case, COVID-19 vaccine supply problems, and the forced passage of the Media Arbitration Act amendment, emphasizing the government's failures.
All members of the People Power Party held placards in the afternoon of the 17th at the fountain square in front of the Blue House with slogans such as "The Moon Jae-in administration of non-communication, incompetence, and arbitrariness," "Self-praising K-Quarantine! The people are crying!," and "Public opinion manipulation, gagging the media, distancing from democracy!" while shouting criticisms of the Moon administration.
Floor leader Kim Ki-hyun said in his opening remarks, "Despite continuous allegations against the president, he continues to feign ignorance," adding, "On behalf of the people, the People Power Party is holding this on-site party meeting today to question the president."
Regarding the Druking comment manipulation scandal, he pointed out, "It has been clearly revealed during the investigation and trial process that President Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook were aware of Druking and the leading group 'Gyeongin Line,'" and stressed, "The special prosecutor's term should be extended to thoroughly uncover the substantive truth of the comment factory."
On the Chungbuk spy group case, he said, "This was clearly an incident involving election interference," and asked the president, "We must protect South Korea's security without any gaps through a thorough fact-finding investigation." He continued, "Is the president remaining silent while trying to curry favor with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un by watching North Korea's reactions?" and questioned, "What is the president's stance on immediately lodging a strong protest against Kim Jong-un and North Korea?"
Regarding COVID-19 vaccine supply, he criticized, "Our country's vaccination rate is the lowest among OECD countries," and asked, "Is this a country?" Floor leader Kim addressed President Moon, "In this prolonged and severe pandemic situation, do you have any intention to apologize for the people's suffering?" and asked, "Do you intend to immediately dismiss Kimo Ran, the quarantine planning officer, and Lee Jin-seok, the Blue House National Situation Room chief?"
Finally, on the ruling party's forced push for the Media Arbitration Act amendment, he condemned it as a "method to gag the media," stating, "It is not subject to revision but should be abolished." He emphasized, "There was no such country even during the dictatorship era," and asked, "What exactly is the president's intention in trampling on freedom of the press?"
Floor leader Kim said to President Moon, "A responsible leader should answer these four questions," and added, "I emphasize once again in front of the Blue House that it is proper not to be a cowardly leader hiding behind but to apologize to the people in detail."
Then, lawmakers Jeong Jin-seok, Kim Seok-ki, Choi Hyung-doo, Lee Jong-sung, and Kim Tae-heum delivered condemnation speeches in turn. In particular, on this day, lawmaker Kim Tae-heum emphasized President Moon's responsibility regarding the Druking comment apology and requested the party leadership, "I propose that the party adopt a resolution urging the special prosecutor to immediately investigate the main culprit, President Moon." In response, floor leader Kim told reporters, "We will strategically choose what is appropriate."
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