Both the Opposition Party Cornered by the Accusation of Instigated Reporting and Lee Nak-yeon Ahead of the Honam Primary... Full-Scale Offensive on the Daejang-dong Allegations

National Investigation and Special Prosecutor Appointment Bill
Jointly Submitted by People Power Party and People Party
Lee Nak-yeon Camp "Unfairness Allegations Will Shake Honam Region's Political Landscape"

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Lee Hyun-joo] The leading presidential candidate from the ruling party, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, is facing a full-scale offensive not only from the opposition but also from competitors within his own party.

The People Power Party is determined to overturn the situation after being on the defensive due to the 'accusation instigation' allegations, while former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, who is competing closely with Governor Lee in the Democratic Party primary, is approaching the issue as part of an effort to overturn the results in the Honam region primary over the weekend.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 23rd, the People Power Party and the People Party jointly submitted a request for a state audit and a bill concerning the appointment of a special prosecutor to the National Assembly's legislative affairs office. At the People Power Party's Supreme Council meeting, a satirical Chuseok greeting, "If you think of Hwacheon Daeyu, think of Cheonhwa Dongin," was circulated. The People Power Party views the Daejang-dong scandal not only as an issue involving Governor Lee but also as a part of the Moon Jae-in administration's real estate mismanagement, and plans to focus party efforts on demanding a thorough investigation.

The camp of former leader Lee Nak-yeon, a competitor within the party, has also launched a relentless offensive. Ahead of the Honam region primary on the 25th and 26th, Lee’s camp, which even resigned from parliamentary seats, is putting all efforts into preventing Governor Lee’s dominance and ensuring a runoff vote. For Lee’s camp, which has framed the race as between an 'unstable candidate' and a 'stable candidate,' the Daejang-dong allegations have become an issue that intensifies their offensive.

On this day, Kim Young-woong, spokesperson for Lee Nak-yeon’s campaign, said on YTN radio, "The Honam region primary race will be shaken even more due to the unfair and unearned profits from the Daejang-dong development project." Hong Young-pyo, co-chairman of the joint campaign committee, also appeared on KBS radio and expressed hope, saying, "I think Lee Nak-yeon will win the Honam primary by a 5 percentage point margin."

However, there are also voices expressing concern about the disputes among presidential candidates within the same party. On Facebook, Representative Kim Doo-kwan said, "The reason Daejang-dong has become a chaotic topic is because of mudslinging," and former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae said on CBS radio, "It doesn’t matter if there is a state audit or special prosecutor; I don’t think Governor Lee’s side has anything to hide."

On the 21st, Governor Lee also expressed discomfort toward former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who has been attacking him, saying, "If it is difficult to officially apologize for the clear misinterpretations and claims riding on conservative media, at least express regret."