The Democratic Party Proposes Public Debate with the Opposition on 'Rescue Lobby Suspicion'... Strategic Moves on Key Issues

With "Plan to Hold a Debate with 3 Group Chat Members and Democratic Party Figures"
Strong Move Following Proposal for Live Broadcast of Leader Talks
Leadership's Remarks on 'Opposition's Rumor Politics' Align

The People Power Party's Task Force (TF) for Uncovering the Truth Behind the Fraudulent Impeachment Operation proposed on the 22nd to the Democratic Party of Korea to hold a public debate together with participants of the group chat related to former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Im Seong-geun's 'lobbying for exoneration' allegations. This request for open dialogue came following a meeting between People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, addressing one of the key suspicions in the Chae Sang-byeong case and an important political issue.

Jang Dong-hyuk, chairman of the People Power Party's Fraudulent Impeachment Operation Truth-Finding TF, said at the National Assembly communication office in the afternoon, "Whether it is lawyer Kim Gyu-hyun, who reported the lobbying allegations, or any Democratic Party lawmaker, if there is anyone who wants to freely discuss with the three members of the group chat room related to this case to uncover the truth and facts, please speak up." He added, "The TF will arrange a venue for these individuals and the three members to debate."

The three individuals mentioned by Representative Jang are Lee, former CEO of Black Pearl Investment; Song, a former presidential security service employee; and Choi, a businessman?all participants in the KakaoTalk group chat of former Commander Im's golf club. Lawyer Kim submitted a recording containing Democratic Party leader Lee's statement about telling the VIP regarding Im's resignation, which led to media reports and the lobbying allegations. Representative Jang, after meeting with a person representing the three group chat participants in their lawsuits, conveyed that these three are reluctant to appear before the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee because they might only be able to answer yes or no to questions or may not be given sufficient opportunity to explain themselves.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Following the public meeting request between People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, the People Power Party's proposal for a public debate involving those related to the lobbying allegations and Democratic Party figures appears to be an attempt to confront this significant political issue head-on. In particular, this is interpreted as connected to the People Power Party leadership's offensive against the Democratic Party at the Supreme Council meeting that day, dismissing rumors about the Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge and the Cheongdam-dong drinking party allegations as baseless. The ruling party argues that lawyer Kim, who raised the allegations, had applied for a Democratic Party nomination in the last general election and met with Democratic Party lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae, claiming the allegations are fabricated.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, earlier that day, leader Han said, "Because of such (Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge) rumors, fisheries and fishermen suffered damages and large amounts of public funds were spent. If even one of those claims had come true, our seas would now be polluted, fisheries devastated, and our people's health threatened. However, none of the statements made by the Democratic Party at that time have been realized." He continued, "Similarly, the opposition party strongly raised the Cheongdam-dong drinking party allegations at the party level, but the person involved testified in court that they lied and that such an event never happened. This kind of rumor politics must be ended."

Floor leader Choo Kyung-ho also joined the criticism, saying, "A year ago, leader Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party spread rumors using provocative terms like poison, nuclear wastewater, and cesium rockfish." He added, "They even put up banners nationwide saying 'Wastewater dumping is radioactive terrorism' and used that as a justification for a hunger strike to shield against judicial risks." He criticized, "The government spent 1.5 trillion won just to respond to these rumors. It has been a year confirming the proposition that rumors and agitation cannot overcome science."

A People Power Party official explained, "The Democratic Party has attacked the government and ruling party with baseless allegations and never apologized even when proven false. This time, we are not just stopping at raising suspicions but proposing that the parties involved meet publicly to uncover the truth."

[Image source=Yonhap News]