Leading Opposition Presidential Candidates "Respect Gwak Sang-do's Bold Decision"... Urge Special Prosecutor for the Democratic Party

Independent lawmaker Kwak Sang-do is greeting ahead of announcing his resignation from the National Assembly on the morning of the 2nd at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the controversy over his son's 5 billion won retirement pay from Hwacheon Daeyu.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] On the 2nd, as Assemblyman Kwak Sang-do resigned from his position amid controversy over his son's "5 billion won retirement pay from Hwacheon Daeyu," the presidential candidates of the People Power Party expressed positions such as "We pay our respects" and "We appreciate the resolute decision." At the same time, they urged the Democratic Party to accept a special prosecutor investigation.

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol stated on Facebook that day, "I evaluate Assemblyman Kwak's decision and hope his resignation will serve as an opportunity for a thorough investigation of the Daejang-dong gate and political reform."

He added, "A rotten tree cannot be felled with a rotten axe handle," and said, "There is no room to allow any weaknesses of the opposition party in uncovering the truth of the foul-smelling Daejang-dong gate."

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung said, "I appreciate the resolute decision," and "I will definitely win and repay with a regime change." Chairman Choi had previously urged on the 28th of last month, "I urge Assemblyman Kwak to make a resolute decision in the spirit of regime change and putting the country before oneself."

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong said, "I respect Assemblyman Kwak's responsible decision," and added, "Revealing everything he knows in detail to expose the huge corruption ring would be the true way to take responsibility."

Presidential candidates of the People Power Party strongly insisted that the Democratic Party must accept a special prosecutor investigation. Former Governor Won said, "Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party should no longer evade the special prosecutor investigation and must immediately accept it."

Former Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min also said, "With Assemblyman Kwak's decision, the People Power Party will reveal the truth of Lee Jae-myung's 'Daejang-dong gate' with a cleaner and more dignified image," and warned the Democratic Party, "If you continue to refuse the special prosecutor and the national audit, public sentiment will severely judge you."

Assemblyman Ha Tae-kyung also said, "I pay my respects for the resolute decision to step down and open the way to resolve the situation," and added, "Now the ball is in the Democratic Party's court. I hope they immediately accept the special prosecutor investigation."

Meanwhile, Assemblyman Kwak held a press conference at the National Assembly that morning and said, "Regarding this matter, any remarks I make will only cause greater misunderstandings and distrust will not be lifted, making it difficult to continue activities as a member of the National Assembly, so I intend to resign."