[Law & Story] Press Conference of 'Cash Envelope' Suspect Song Young-gil

Choi Seok-jin, legal affairs reporter.

Former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, who appeared at the prosecution on the 8th for questioning as a suspect in the party’s ‘cash envelope’ scandal, held a press conference before going into the interrogation room and said, "I will fight against the unfair investigation by the political prosecution."

He said that his request to be called in first was intended to expedite the conclusion of the investigation, not to indicate cooperation with the prosecution, and that he would exercise his right to remain silent during the prosecution, stating that he would explain himself before a judge.

An allegation has emerged that cash envelopes containing hundreds of thousands of won were systematically distributed to incumbent lawmakers during the process of his election as party leader, and a sitting lawmaker from the same party has already been detained.

Despite the fact that crimes involving money in elections are serious offenses that undermine the foundation of democracy, he previously said in public, "What kind of serious crime is this?" and on this day, he again referred to the election for the leader of a public party as an ‘internal party feast.’

His remarks show no sense of responsibility, even though fellow lawmakers who campaigned for his election distributed cash envelopes, and he himself was the beneficiary of that election. It is unclear whether he means that since it was done without his knowledge, he should not be held accountable, or even if he knew, that it is not a serious crime.

It is also abnormal for a suspect appearing for a criminal investigation to hold a press conference, even preparing posters in advance and standing at the photo line. As Minister Han Dong-hoon pointed out, one might suspect that he mistakenly believes he is a democratic fighter coming out to be investigated for the nation and the people.

In fact, the day before, Song posted on his Facebook a photo of his visit to the Lee Bong-chang History Hall in Hyochang-dong, writing, "I looked into the footsteps of Lee Bong-chang, who threw a bomb at Hirohito, and reflected on myself." It seems he thinks he is walking a similar path to those who risked their lives for independence, but this self-hypnosis is excessive.

Even if the scheme was orchestrated without Song’s knowledge by lawmakers Yoon Kwan-seok, Lee Sung-man, and former Democratic Party Deputy Secretary-General Lee Jung-geun, as the beneficiary of an election involving illicit money, it is the minimum courtesy for him to bow his head and apologize to the public and take political responsibility. Perhaps because of the upcoming general election, he appears excessively confident.

Song is not the only suspect who has claimed targeted prosecution by the prosecution and vowed to reveal everything in court. Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, and lawmakers Choi Kang-wook, Hwang Un-ha, and Yoon Mi-hyang have taken similar stances. Cho, who exercised his right to remain silent in court and was sentenced to two years in prison, now says he will run in the general election to restore his political honor.

Under the previous administration’s Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo, the judiciary showed political bias by deliberately delaying trials in politically sensitive cases, which greatly undermined public trust in the judiciary. However, no matter the circumstances, the authority of the judiciary must be respected, as it is the last bastion supporting our society.

If those who are disqualified from running for public office, such as members of the National Assembly, or who must relinquish their seats if convicted, continue their political careers intoxicated by the blind support of hardline followers, the discipline of public office in our society will never be restored. Even now, Song should apologize to the public and respond humbly to the prosecution’s investigation.