Democratic Party: "Prosecutors' Attempt to Search National Assembly and Party Headquarters Is an Itaewon Disaster Distraction Show"

Ahn Ho-young Spokesperson: "Kim Yong Never Worked at the Office, Attempted Search Is a Political Show"
Regarding the National Assembly Main Building Search, Speaker's Side Says 'Voluntary Submission Is Preferable'

Prosecutors attempted to search the office of Jeong Jin-sang, Chief of Political Coordination at the Democratic Party Central Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 9th. Party staff blocked them by lowering the metal shutter. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

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[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] The Democratic Party of Korea strongly opposed the prosecution's search and seizure of Jeong Jin-sang, the chief political coordination officer and close aide to party leader Lee Jae-myung, calling it an "excessive investigation" and "political oppression." They described the search and seizure of the party headquarters, where Jeong does not even work, as a "political show."

On the 9th, Ahn Ho-young, the senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, met with reporters after the party's Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly and said regarding the prosecution's search and seizure of Chief Jeong, "We clearly see this as an excessive investigation by the prosecution, political oppression, and a showy investigation." He added, "The Democratic Party condemns the prosecution and will fight alongside the people."

Spokesperson Ahn introduced, "Chief Jeong has cooperated sincerely with the prosecution's investigation so far, and the Democratic Party had also expressed willingness to voluntarily submit documents during the search and seizure of Kim Yong, deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute." He continued, "The party leader's secretariat is located on the 9th floor of the Democratic Party headquarters, but Chief Jeong does not have a separate office nor has he ever worked there. The prosecution is aware of this, yet they requested the search and seizure, which is a kind of political show aimed at tarnishing the Democratic Party."

He criticized, "This is a phase-shifting show to divert public attention amid the great public anger over the Itaewon tragedy."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Regarding the search and seizure of the office in the main building of the National Assembly where Chief Jeong worked, he said, "The main building falls under the authority of the Speaker of the National Assembly, so we will respond according to legal procedures based on the Speaker's judgment." The office of Speaker Kim Jin-pyo expressed the position that "voluntary submission is preferable" regarding the search and seizure of the main building.

Party leader Lee did not mention the search and seizure during his public remarks at the Supreme Council meeting or in response to reporters' questions that day.

Meanwhile, regarding the controversy over the presidential office staff's memo saying "This is ridiculous" during the National Assembly's Operations Committee audit of the Presidential Office, Lee made a public remark at the Supreme Council meeting, questioning, "Is this ridiculous?" He said, "One hundred fifty-seven young lives were lost due to the government's fault, a clear government mistake. Does this scene investigating the cause look ridiculous?" He emphasized responsibility, saying, "The president's sincere reflection and apology are absolutely necessary," and "Starting with the prime minister's resignation, responsibility must be taken for failing to protect the lives and safety of the people."