Yoon Accused of Soliciting 'Kkanbu'... Won Says "Don't Know Well," Hong Says "Truly Pitiful"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former Prosecutor General and People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol tried to elicit supportive remarks from fellow lawyer candidates regarding the controversy over alleged prosecution-related report manipulation, but received little help.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 27th, during a People Power Party presidential candidate broadcast debate held in Gangwon Province, Yoon asked for opinions on the case where the arrest warrant for Prosecutor Son Jun-sung was dismissed by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division, but a detention warrant was subsequently requested. Yoon said, "In my 27 years as a lawyer, this is the first time I have seen a detention warrant requested for someone whose arrest warrant was dismissed," and asked the competing candidates, "What do you think?"

In response, former Jeju Governor and prosecutor Won Hee-ryong said, "I’m not sure exactly what you’re asking," and added, "I hope you stand firm and overcome unfair pressure."

When Yoon again mentioned legal issues, Won replied, "I don’t know well," and said, "Don’t ask me."

Yoon also asked Hong Jun-pyo, a lawmaker and former prosecutor, about the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division’s decision, questioning whether it was "interference in the election."

Hong responded coldly, "It’s really pitiful. When was the time Yoon was doing policy debates? Why make this an issue?" He continued, "It’s a bit much to say it’s a legitimate investigation when he is conducting it, but political manipulation when he is being investigated..." and trailed off.