Song Young-gil Ignores Money Envelope Allegations... Opposition Demands Expulsion and Party Removal Flood

Press Conference Scheduled in Paris on the 22nd
Early Return Met with Silence
"Party Must Take Strong and Strict Measures"

The Democratic Party of Korea has called for the return of former leader Song Young-gil, who is at the center of the 2021 party convention money envelope scandal. Some within the party have even suggested "strong measures" such as expulsion or dismissal if former leader Song refuses to return.

'The Better Future' (Deo Mirae), the largest parliamentary group within the Democratic Party, issued a statement on the 19th saying, "Despite the party leader directly apologizing to the public and requesting former leader Song to return early and take responsibility, his attitude of delaying his return and planning to hold a press conference abroad is highly inappropriate behavior and conduct for a former party leader and a responsible leader," adding, "If he does not show accountability for this incident, the Democratic Party urges the strongest and most severe measures to be taken."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The group of first-term lawmakers, 'Deo Mincho,' also urged, "Former leader Song should return promptly and clarify the facts of the incident," stating, "He must show every effort to reveal the truth to the public. As a candidate for party leader, he should take responsibility for and confirm what happened at that time and inform our party and the people."

Instead of returning immediately, former leader Song said he would hold a press conference on the 22nd (local time) in France, where he is currently staying, to state his position. On the 19th in Paris, when meeting with Korean reporters, Song only said, "I will state my position at the press conference on the 22nd," and left the venue citing a class.

However, some within the party made statements that seemed to defend former leader Song regarding the money envelope allegations, sparking controversy. Jang Kyung-tae, a Supreme Council member, said on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' about the 500,000 won distribution rumor, "500,000 won is actually less than the cost of a month's meals. So I expect this money is probably just reimbursement," but after criticism, he clarified on Facebook that he said this "to emphasize that the content of the recording was outdated and pathetic."

Assemblyman Jung Sung-ho also said in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that "the amount is generally at the level of travel expenses for staff or so-called fuel costs and meal expenses," but later apologized, saying, "I reflect on my fault for making a careless remark that hurt the feelings of the public who are disappointed with the Democratic Party over this shameful matter, despite understanding their feelings well."