Yun Ho-jung: "Yoon Seok-yeol Is Chun Doo-hwan's Spokesperson... Deplorable People Power Party for Protecting Him"

Yun Hojung, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the National Assembly inspection countermeasure meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy, reporter Jeon Jin-young] As Yoon Seok-yeol, a leading opposition presidential candidate and former Prosecutor General, faces controversy over his remarks defending Chun Doo-hwan, Yun Ho-jung, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized him on the 21st, saying, "Rather than a presidential candidate who claims to lead Korea after 2022, he seems more like a spokesperson for Chun Doo-hwan, who crushed democracy over 40 years ago."

At the National Assembly inspection countermeasure meeting held that morning, Yun stated, "The excuse that former Prosecutor General Yoon gave after his comments praising Chun Doo-hwan was even worse," and added, "It is truly deplorable that the People Power Party is protecting such a candidate."

He continued, "It is not enough to simply discipline former Prosecutor General Yoon, yet Lee Jun-seok, the party leader, defended him by saying it was a mistake caused by political inexperience in language. However, it was not a lack of language skills, but rather a lack of ability to conceal his far-right instincts. Lee's poor political judgment in defending a distorted view of history, lack of human rights awareness, and incitement of regionalism is equally dangerous."

He went on to say, "With former Prosecutor General Yoon being sincere in his praise of Chun Doo-hwan, and the People Power Party shielding him, it is obvious what kind of politics, economy, and future they will create. We must once again reaffirm our determination not to entrust this country to the descendants of dictatorship."

He also called for a thorough investigation into the allegations that former Prosecutor General Yoon orchestrated political indictments. Yun emphasized, "Former Prosecutor General Yoon abused the prosecution system, which should serve the people, for illegal self-defense and to protect his family," and added, "I once again urge the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to conduct a thorough and unrestricted investigation."