Democratic Party Criticizes Money Envelope Allegations as 'Tactic to Shift Focus'
Park Beom-gye Says "Not Political Oppression"... Voices Differ from Party
As the Democratic Party of Korea's floor leader election approaches, the candidates are demanding a strong response regarding the so-called 'money envelope' allegations that they received illegal political funds at the 2021 party convention.
Park Kwang-on, a floor leader candidate, stated on the 26th that "the party's attitude is very important" and that a scapegoating response is unacceptable.
On the 26th, during YTN Radio's 'News King Park Ji-hoon,' he said, "The public will be watching how the Democratic Party handles and resolves this issue, whether it is done sincerely and in a way that the public can trust," emphasizing, "(The party) must be infinitely humble throughout the process and truly bow its head until the end."
On the 25th, candidates are taking a commemorative photo at the joint debate for the Democratic Party floor leader candidates held at the National Assembly. From the left, candidate Hong Ik-pyo, candidate Kim Du-kwan, election committee chairman Byeon Jae-il, candidate Park Beom-gye, and candidate Park Kwang-on. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Park Beom-gye, another Democratic Party floor leader candidate, also stated that the investigation into the money envelope allegations is not 'political oppression.' This contrasts with the party's earlier criticism on the 13th during a party meeting, where the prosecution's investigation was labeled a 'planned investigation to change the narrative.'
On the 25th, Park appeared on CBS Radio's 'Park Jae-hong's One-on-One Battle' and said, "I did not handle the Political Oppression Countermeasures Committee. I do not think this is political oppression," adding, "If I become floor leader, I will become the head of the countermeasure organization and officially conduct an internal investigation to ensure there is no risk of evidence tampering. I believe it must be done strictly."
Other floor leader candidates Kim Du-kwan and Hong Ik-pyo emphasized the party's responsibility. Kim Du-kwan said on MBN, "There is nothing to say even if I had ten mouths," and added, "I think the public will only trust the Democratic Party, the main opposition party, if we thoroughly clarify this issue, even in cooperation with the prosecution."
Hong Ik-pyo also stated on CBS Radio's 'Park Jae-hong's One-on-One Battle,' "First, the facts regarding Song Young-gil must be confirmed," but added, "(If I become floor leader) the party will take full responsibility and keep all options open regarding any measures the party can take in this situation."
Meanwhile, Song Young-gil, the former party leader and the central figure in the money envelope allegations, promised to take full political responsibility and resigned from the Democratic Party. He also returned early from Paris, France, on the 24th at the party's request. The prosecution has banned Song, the ultimate beneficiary of the money distribution, from leaving the country and has registered him as a suspect based on a complaint filed related to this case. It is also known that Song is considering proactively appearing before the prosecution.
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