Jojonghun: "Targeting Others' Wives for Political Attacks Is Despicable... Opposes Kim Gunhee Special Prosecutor Act"

"Opposition to the Special Prosecutor Law That Annoys Chuseok Dinner"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jojonghun, Candidate for Seoul Mayor from the Shift Era Party. / Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Jo Jeong-hoon, leader of the Transition Party, expressed opposition to the movement to push for a special prosecution law related to First Lady Kim Keon-hee, saying, "I oppose the special prosecution law that annoyingly disrupts the precious Chuseok dining table." He also added, "It is shameful and petty to target another man's wife as a political attack coordinate as the husband of one woman."

The Democratic Party submitted a special prosecution law on the 7th under the names of all 169 party members regarding First Lady Kim. The special prosecution law proposed by the Democratic Party defines the scope of investigation to include three issues: △ allegations of involvement in Deutsche Motors stock manipulation △ allegations of false career and academic credentials △ allegations of receiving bribe-like sponsorships from companies during her tenure as CEO of Covana Contents.

The Democratic Party also filed a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office against President Yoon for allegedly making false statements under the Public Official Election Act concerning First Lady Kim's omission of high-priced luxury assets in her property declaration.

On the 9th, Jo stated on his Facebook, "Upon learning that I am needed along with 10 Democratic Party lawmakers to meet the quorum for the fast-track approval of the special prosecution law for First Lady Kim Keon-hee at the National Assembly Judiciary Committee, and seeing speculative articles about my stance, I want to clarify my position."

Jo said, "First of all, the law must be applied fairly and impartially to all citizens. Whether it is the president, the opposition leader, the president's wife, the opposition leader's wife, or myself, there should be no exceptions," adding, "As I strongly demanded at the confirmation hearing for Prosecutor General nominee Lee Won-seok, the prosecution must conduct fair and neutral investigations."

He continued, "But in this situation, how much will a special prosecution of the president's wife help the livelihood of the people?" He pointed out the current political situation, saying, "According to some media reports, the special prosecution law was hastily proposed to bring up suspicions about First Lady Kim Keon-hee along with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung at the Chuseok table."

He added, "It is an act that annoys the precious occasion where families, who rarely meet once or twice a year, gather," and said, "Are we unaware that even within families, sensitive political discussions have become impossible? This is politics annoying the people again, a situation I truly oppose."

Jo also stated, "Moreover, the majority of the contents included in the special prosecution law were thoroughly investigated during the Moon Jae-in administration, which is another reason I cannot agree with the hasty push for the special prosecution law," expressing strong skepticism by saying, "There was no political pressure during investigations under the Moon administration, so will the special prosecution uncover facts that were completely unknown?"

He further said, "On the other hand, if the special prosecution proceeds, it will consume all livelihood issues," and questioned, "Who will solve the pressing problems such as soaring prices, unmanageable loan interest rates, and the highest exchange rate in 13 years and 5 months if the National Assembly remains idle?"

Finally, Jo emphasized, "I sincerely want to see politics that discuss livelihood issues during the 21st National Assembly term. I urge the Democratic Party, as the main opposition and majority party in the National Assembly, to compete fairly with the ruling party through policy battles."