Park Kwang-on "Opposition Leader on Hunger Strike, First Time Facing Successive Prosecution Investigations... Excessive Regardless of Charges"

"Opposition Leader Does Not Seek Special Treatment"
"Urges Prompt Conclusion of Investigation Within Common Sense"

Park Kwang-on, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the prosecution investigating Lee Jae-myung, saying on the 12th, "This is the first time the prosecution has repeatedly questioned the leader of the main opposition party during a hunger strike," and added, "Regardless of the charges, the public thinks this is excessive."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Park mentioned that Lee, who was on the 13th day of his hunger strike, was about to appear before the prosecution regarding the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance allegations, saying, "Many people are concerned about (Lee's) health and are urging him to stop the hunger strike, but Lee is going out to respond to the prosecution's summons today."

He emphasized, "We are not asking for special treatment for the leader of the main opposition party, but we strongly urge the investigation and questioning to be conducted within the bounds of domestic legal sentiment and common sense, and to be concluded promptly."

The Democratic Party is pushing for a special prosecutor law related to the truth-finding of the death of Sergeant Chae during flood recovery work and the alleged investigation interference surrounding the case. At the morning party meeting, they plan to adopt a party resolution to propose an impeachment motion against Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop.

Floor leader Park said, "The Democratic Party has proposed a special prosecutor law to thoroughly uncover the truth about Sergeant Chae's death and the investigation interference and to punish those responsible," adding, "Furthermore, since it has been revealed that the Defense Minister was involved in the investigation process and can no longer perform his duties normally, we urge his immediate dismissal and have decided to consider all measures, including impeachment. We will respond firmly to this case."

He also criticized the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's budget cuts related to Dokdo. He said, "The budget for defending sovereignty over Dokdo was cut by 25%, and the budget for research projects on Japan's historical distortions, such as the forced mobilization of comfort women and the Kanto Massacre, was reduced by 73%," adding, "The Democratic Party will reclaim the budget for setting history right."