Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, argued that the trial of former Marine Corps Investigation Unit Commander (Colonel) Park Jeong-hoon, who is accused of insubordination and defamation in connection with the death of Marine Corporal Chae Mo, should be stopped through dismissal of the indictment.
In an interview on the TV Chosun YouTube channel 'Gang Punch' on the 12th, Lee pointed out, "If the trial continues and Colonel Park is held responsible, it would be a burden for President Yoon, and if he is acquitted, it would be grounds for impeachment."
Assuming Colonel Park is acquitted, he said, "This would trample on the honor of the uniformed soldier named Park Jeong-hoon by presidential authority, and the younger generation will not tolerate it."
Regarding the so-called 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Act' being pushed by the Democratic Party of Korea, he said, "If the current investigation is unsatisfactory, it is natural to have a special prosecutor."
However, concerning the Reform New Party's demand for the 'Comprehensive Special Prosecutor Act for First Lady Kim Geon-hee,' which includes allegations of preferential treatment for Kim’s family related to the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route change, he drew a line, saying, "A significant part of the nation's capacity would be wasted solely on investigations, so special prosecutors should be used only where absolutely necessary."
Cheon Ha-ram, a proportional representative-elect of the Reform New Party, also stated on YTN radio, "Especially regarding the special prosecutor for Corporal Chae and First Lady Kim Geon-hee, I intend to actively cooperate as a member of the pan-opposition camp."
Meanwhile, Lee pointed out that the ruling party’s crushing defeat in the April 10 general election was "definitely not the sole responsibility of Chairman Han Dong-hoon," and said, "The Yoon Seok-yeol government should be the most criticized."
Regarding the possibility of future cooperation with the People Power Party, he said, "We have a very clear anti-Yoon stance," and referring to President Yoon’s criticism of him as 'internal shooting,' he added, "As the opposition party, 'external shooting' will be even stronger."
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