[Asia Economy Reporters Jeon Jinyoung and Park Juni] At the National Assembly Judiciary Committee meeting held on the 6th regarding the allegation of prosecution solicitation involving former Prosecutor General and opposition presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol, Choi Kang-wook, a member of the Judiciary Committee from the Open Democratic Party, walked out. Choi is listed as a defendant along with Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, in the controversial complaint related to the allegation.
Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, stated during an urgent inquiry, “Representative Choi is a party involved in the report. This seat is for working on behalf of the people, not for questioning from the perspective of a party involved,” adding, “It goes against fairness and is not in line with the traditions of the Judiciary Committee.”
Yoon Han-hong, also from the People Power Party, said, “If you look at the materials that were passed over as evidence of solicitation of the complaint against Representative Choi, the content is different. The materials related to Representative Choi mentioned in April concern the Channel A report. However, the complaint filed in August pertains to the internship of the child of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk.” He emphasized, “If Representative Choi’s name appears in false internet articles, he would also feel uncomfortable. Since he is a party involved, isn’t it inappropriate to question him? It would be better if he leaves the seat.”
In response, Representative Choi said, “If I must leave for the smooth progress of the meeting, I am willing to accept that. However, I ask that the parts I requested regarding the submission of materials be accepted.” He appealed, “If my presence is uncomfortable and problematic, I will vacate the seat. But I hope the meeting proceeds without raising suspicions that those with vested interests are trying to expose public concerns for special political gains during the process.”
He added, “At this critical moment, there are many things I want to say and many people the public wants to hear from. As much as I give up my right to speak, I hope you actively review and approve the submission of materials,” before leaving the meeting room.
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