People Power Party "National Chaos Must End with Swift Trials"
Democratic Party "Ruthless and Unfair Prosecution Targeting Opposition Leader"
On the 22nd, the ruling and opposition parties clashed over Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was handed over to trial for alleged preferential treatment in the Wirye and Daejang-dong development projects and suspicions regarding donations to Seongnam FC. The People Power Party emphasized that "the national turmoil must be ended as soon as possible through a swift trial," while the Democratic Party strongly opposed, calling it "an unfair predetermined prosecution by the prosecution."
On the same day, Jang Dong-hyuk, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a statement, "The public points out that the responsibility of Lee Jae-myung, the former chief secretary to the mayor, is entirely great regarding the extreme choice made by the former secretary," adding, "He should honestly reveal the truth and ask for forgiveness even in court."
He continued, "Lee said about the prosecution's indictment that it was a 'predetermined prosecution' and 'fabrication of the case,' and that it was 'not surprising at all and was already expected.' The public is shocked that the leader of the main opposition party has been indicted on massive development corruption charges and is still sitting in the party leader position, yet he alone remains calm and composed," he criticized.
He added, "We hope that the national turmoil will end as soon as possible through a swift trial of Lee."
Regarding the Democratic Party's decision to determine whether to apply Article 80 of the party constitution, which states that if indicted for corruption charges, party officials at all levels will be suspended from their duties, Jang criticized, "The moment the party committee decides on self-relief for Lee, the public will be convinced that this is a 'predetermined shield' and 'party constitution manipulation.' We hope the Democratic Party does not cut off its last remaining political lifeline by itself."
Yoo Sang-beom, the chief spokesperson, also criticized in a statement, "Despite clear past criminal charges, Lee and the Democratic Party shamelessly keep adding protective armor. If the Democratic Party follows the scheduled step of excluding the application of Article 80 to Lee at today's party committee meeting, it will be a path to sinking deeper into the swamp by themselves."
On the other hand, the Democratic Party launched a fierce attack against the prosecution that indicted Lee.
Ahn Ho-young, the chief spokesperson, said in a briefing at the National Assembly communication office, "The prosecution's reckless sword dance has finally reached 'predetermined prosecution,' meaning the investigation was predetermined to indict from the start, and the prosecution just submitted the answer sheet today," he retorted.
Ahn added, "They boasted about being confident in proving the charges, but all the key charges were omitted, and they could not present any substantial evidence. The prosecution's indictment ended up proving Lee Jae-myung's innocence. Although they tried to tarnish Lee and brand him as a suspect, the truth will be revealed in court," he claimed.
The party's Committee for Countermeasures Against Prosecutorial Dictatorship and Political Oppression also issued a statement criticizing, "As public sentiment against the Yoon Seok-yeol administration worsens due to pro-Japan submissive diplomacy and the deterioration of the 69-hour workweek, the prosecution is leading a 'political show to change the narrative.'" They added, "At a time when the president's approval rating is falling, the prosecution predicted the indictment of Lee and has been leaking the indictment contents to the media to stir up the situation again. It's a familiar scene," they pointed out. The committee said, "This is why they are called 'political prosecutors.' Is the prosecution a 'cleanup task force' that goes around fixing the mess caused by the president?" they criticized.
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