[On-site Video] "Special Prosecutor Needed" vs "Political Attack" Lee Jae-myung's 'Daejang-dong Special Prosecutor' Citizen Reactions

[Asia Economy Reporters Seunggon Han, PD Jingeun Yoon] "Can we turn this crisis into an opportunity?", "It must be clearly revealed through a special prosecutor investigation"

As the opposition party continues to pressure for a special prosecutor investigation and a parliamentary inquiry regarding the 'Seongnam Daejang-dong Development Project Favoritism Allegations,' the ruling party has rebutted, calling it a diversion tactic. Citizens' reactions to the power struggle between the ruling and opposition parties over the so-called 'Daejang-dong Special Prosecutor' are divided. Some believe the facts should be properly clarified through a special prosecutor, while others argue it is merely a political attack.

On the 24th, Yoon Ho-jung, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at the Supreme Council meeting, "The prosecution and the People Power Party, who tried to interfere in the last general election by colluding and stealing votes through the 'Prosecution-People Power collusion and national flag desecration accusation' incident, have brought up a parliamentary inquiry and special prosecutor to divert attention," adding, "There is no greater audacity than this."

Yoon emphasized, "The National Assembly is a place to handle people's livelihoods, not a place for presidential election campaigns," and said, "We will not tolerate tricks aimed at turning the regular session into a political fight."

He continued, "Who was responsible for the Daejang-dong development? Where is the main culprit?" He pointed out, "The brother of former People Power Party lawmaker Shin Young-su was arrested for bribery worth several hundred million won. Former lawmaker Won Yoo-chul served as an advisor to Hwacheon Daeyu and reportedly received 9 million won monthly. Lawmaker Kwak Sang-do has publicly stated his friendship with the owner of Hwacheon Daeyu, and his son was employed there for seven years."

On the same day, the People Power Party urged Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung to apologize regarding the Daejang-dong development allegations. Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at the floor strategy meeting, "If Governor Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party continue to hide and resist, they will face a second Cho Kuk incident," criticizing, "Various allegations prove that this 'Lee Jae-myung Daejang-dong Gate' is the final chapter of comprehensive corruption." He added, "We respectfully demand that Governor Lee immediately apologize for hiding the truth and trying to divert attention."

Citizens' opinions on the special prosecutor investigation into the Daejang-dong development allegations surrounding Governor Lee are divided. A 22-year-old citizen, Mr. A, met at Seoul Station plaza in the afternoon, said, "The president represents the people of the Republic of Korea," and added, "If there is controversy, they should actively explain and show that 'I have no problem.'" He emphasized, "If candidate Lee Jae-myung is confident, even those who think negatively of him can view him positively, turning a crisis into an opportunity."

Mr. B, 25, said, "An investigation is necessary, but if the truth can be uncovered through a regular investigation, I am not sure if a special prosecutor is needed," and added, "I am most curious about whether the Daejang-dong controversy is actually related to candidate Lee Jae-myung."

Another citizen, Mr. C, 75, said, "A special prosecutor is not conducted by regular prosecutors or police but is done due to public demand," and raised his voice, "If a presidential candidate refuses a special prosecutor and says 'I will only undergo an investigation,' that is arrogance beyond arrogance, a person who does not understand democracy." He added, "It is absurd for such a person to become president." He emphasized, "Governor Lee should not evade but clearly reveal the truth through a special prosecutor."

Meanwhile, on the 24th, the Democratic Party clearly stated that it cannot accept the People Power Party's demands for a special prosecutor and parliamentary inquiry into Governor Lee Jae-myung's Seongnam Daejang-dong development allegations, calling them "political fights."

Ko Yong-jin, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in the morning, "The fact-finding investigation has already started at the Central District Prosecutors' Office, so it should be revealed through the prosecution's investigation, and a special prosecutor or parliamentary inquiry is strongly political in nature, considering the presidential election," adding, "Our position is clear that we cannot accept it."

He continued, "Everything should be clarified through the prosecution's investigation, and if there are shortcomings, then a parliamentary inquiry or special prosecutor can be considered," and pointed out, "The National Assembly audit starts on October 1. If necessary, the relevant standing committees can handle it, so for now, a parliamentary inquiry or special prosecutor is for political fights."