Immediate Backlash from Lee Jun-seok to Jeong Jin-seok's Message
Yoo Sang-beom Resigns from Ethics Committee Position the Day Before
Yoo Sang-beom, a member of the People Power Party, is attending the People Power Party's floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the 17th, Yusangbeom, a member of the People Power Party, commented on the police summons investigation of former leader Lee Jun-seok, stating, "I think the police have internally confirmed to some extent the part regarding sexual bribery," and added, "There are rumors that former leader Lee refused to appear at the police due to yesterday's report, which is because he recognized the possibility of being found guilty of some crime."
On the 20th, Yusangbeom appeared on MBC Radio and said, "I also think that he is refusing now based on completely unrelated matters."
Yusangbeom became embroiled in controversy after messages exchanged between him and Jung Jin-seok, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, regarding the disciplinary action against former leader Lee were leaked. Yusangbeom was one of the members of the Central Party Ethics Committee who discussed additional disciplinary measures against former leader Lee. The messages are known to have been exchanged last month, but Lee’s side immediately protested.
Regarding this, Yusangbeom said, "Regarding the emergency situation, (former leader Lee) used expressions like martial law and various other remarks such as 'yangduguyuk' (a Korean idiom meaning 'a dog’s head with a sheep’s body'). After seeing that, around evening, perhaps because he was angry, (Emergency Committee Chairman Jung) sent me a text message," and added, "He sent me his opinion, questioning whether the expression went beyond acceptable limits and constituted inappropriate behavior." He continued, "At that time, it was a personal communication, so I conveyed that opinion. However, when it was ultimately made public to the people, it was inappropriate." After the issue arose, Yusangbeom resigned from his position on the Ethics Committee.
Regarding whether the Ethics Committee meeting scheduled for the 28th will deliberate on the disciplinary action against former leader Lee, Yusangbeom said that no decision has been made yet. He stated, "It is not yet certain whether it will be included," but added, "However, if it is included that day, a deliberation decision will be made."
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