People Power Party presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo is preparing for a debate at the first broadcast debate for the 20th presidential election candidates held on the 16th at the TV Chosun studio in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] The political battle over the controversy surrounding Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung's alleged preferential treatment in the Seongnam Daejang District development project is intensifying. When Governor Lee denied the allegations, calling it a 'People Power Party Gate,' People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo immediately counterattacked, saying, "Anyone can see that incident as the Lee Jae-myung Gate."
On the 19th, Hong said on his Facebook, "Seeing Lee Jae-myung insist that the Daejang-dong development corruption case is a 'People Power Party Gate' and try to pin it on the opposing party, I cannot shake the feeling that such shamelessness has been the driving force behind today's Lee Jae-myung."
He continued, "Since Seongnam City was the main body of the corrupt development, how could a lawyer pretending to be a bachelor living in Seongnam not have known about it?" He then urged Governor Lee, "If you are confident, demand a special prosecutor from the National Assembly yourself."
Hong also said, "He may be able to endure now with that characteristic shamelessness of just getting through the Chuseok public sentiment and the Honam primary, but it won't last long," adding, "Public sentiment is the will of heaven."
Earlier, Governor Lee denied the allegations surrounding the Daejang-dong development project. The day before, he rebutted, "The Daejang-dong project is an extension of the People Power Party Gate, which was a continuation of the Saenuri Gate that profited significantly from corruption."
He claimed, "The illicit collusion between construction corruption forces and the People Power Party was hidden underground and has now reappeared with a new face."
Governor Lee emphasized, "No matter how messed up politics is and how lacking the public is in information, this should not happen," and asserted, "I categorically state that I have never received a single won." He added, "I deeply regret that a considerable portion of the development profits was reclaimed for public interest, yet unknown people have been used to portray me as part of corrupt forces."
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