Lee Jae-myung "A Typical Case of Power-related Corruption Allegations"
Park Kwang-on "Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway to Proceed as Originally Planned"
Park Chan-dae "Minister Won Hee-ryong Spreading Rumors... Should Quit Politics"
The Democratic Party of Korea launched a full-scale offensive against the government and ruling party on the 10th regarding the 'Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route change.' Representative Lee Jae-myung criticized the suspicion that the terminus of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway was changed to Gangsaeng-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, where the family of First Lady Kim Keon-hee, spouse of President Yoon Seok-yeol, owns land, calling it a "typical case of power-type corruption" and "state manipulation," while the party's Supreme Council members strongly condemned Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, who suddenly called for the project to be scrapped.
Kwon Chil-seung, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, told reporters after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "The essence of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway controversy is the 'allegation of preferential treatment for the president's in-laws,'" adding, "A thorough investigation is needed at the presidential office level, and the presidential office must also clarify its position." He emphasized, "If the process of changing the terminus is not clearly revealed, this is 'state manipulation.'"
Spokesperson Kwon said, "For a long time, the validity of the original plan and the originally proposed route had been continuously recognized, but it suddenly changed. According to the review opinions on the changed plan, the original plan is better," adding, "It is reasonable in every aspect to proceed according to the original plan."
On the same day, Representative Lee also criticized, "I have seen many cases of state manipulation so far, but this is the first time I have seen a national project suddenly moved without any explanation," calling it "state manipulation."
At the Supreme Council meeting, Representative Lee said, "Previously, there was justification and reconsideration of judgment, but in the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route change controversy, the route was shamelessly and suddenly moved without reason, and when the issue was raised, they threw a tantrum saying they would scrap it," adding, "Is it acceptable to run the government in such a tantrum-like, playful manner?"
He pointed out, "The core of this incident is very simple. The terminus, which was supposed to be in Yangseo-myeon, was suddenly moved to a place where the president's in-laws own land," and said, "If the terminus is established as the government intends, the president's spouse, who owns an area equivalent to five soccer fields, will enjoy enormous development profits." He continued, "A swift investigation is needed to determine the extent of involvement by the presidential office and the minister in this matter," urging, "Stop breaking the president's campaign promises and promptly declare the implementation of the original plan to end the confusion."
Strong criticism was also directed at Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, who announced the scrapping of the project.
Floor leader Park Kwang-on said, "Scrapping the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway confuses the public," and evaluated, "While wondering 'Why is Minister Won Hee-ryong acting like this?' the essence has been hidden behind the scenes." He emphasized, "No matter how much fuss is made about scrapping, the public knows the essence is the allegation of preferential treatment for the president's in-laws," and urged, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport should declare the implementation of the original Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway plan."
Supreme Council member Park Chan-dae said, "Is Minister Won a minister who spreads rumors?" and accused, "Minister Won is spreading rumors to cover up the so-called 'Kim Keon-hee Road' profit cartel." He added, "The claim that the project was scrapped because of the Democratic Party is a rumor," and said, "Those who benefit from the original plan are the citizens, and those who benefit from the change are Kim Keon-hee's family. If rumors continue to be spread, clear responsibility must be taken."
Supreme Council member Jang Kyung-tae criticized, "There are only lies coming out without specific explanations of who, when, and how the change was made," and said, "Minister Won even claims that he made the decision alone without consulting the president and plans to completely scrap the project. Is the scrapping also being done hastily?" He emphasized, "The responsibility for scrapping lies with the presidential office," and urged, "Clear accountability, including the dismissal of Minister Won, should be demanded."
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