Prosecutors Raid People Power Party Headquarters and Lawmakers' Office Building
Han Dong-hoon: "Will Comply Within Limits That Do Not Harm the Essence of Political Activities"
The prosecution, investigating allegations of 'nomination interference' related to former lawmaker Kim Young-sun and Mr. Myung Tae-gyun, conducted a search and seizure at the People Power Party's office on the 27th. It is reported that the People Power Party complied with the search and seizure without much resistance.
On the same day, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, met with reporters at the National Assembly and said, "I received a report from the relevant department that the warrant issued by the court will be complied with according to the law, within the scope of the warrant, and in a way that does not harm the essence of political activities as a political party."
Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the "People Power Party First-term Lawmakers Study Meeting IV: Local Era, Sustainable Growth Engine of the Republic of Korea" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 26th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
The prosecution is expected to secure materials related to the nomination for the 2022 re-election and by-election constituencies. Following the Organization Bureau located in the National Assembly Members' Office Building, the Planning and Coordination Bureau at the party headquarters is scheduled for an additional search and seizure.
Inside the People Power Party, members are calmly cooperating with the search and seizure. A party official stated, "Since these situations often proceed like a gentleman's agreement, it does not seem likely that there will be much commotion," adding, "It is not the first time we have experienced a search and seizure, and everyone anticipated it to some extent, so there was no great surprise."
Kim Sang-wook, a People Power Party lawmaker who was present at the search site that day, said, "The process did not take long and was conducted in a manner of verifying materials such as party audit documents," adding, "It seems the prosecution prepared thoroughly to conduct the investigation meticulously and fairly."
He continued, "Originally, public authority should not enter political parties arbitrarily, which is a line that both sides must respect. However, there are public suspicions, and from our party's standpoint, we should not be perceived as receiving leniency from the prosecution just because we are the ruling party," adding, "We are actively cooperating with the fair and lawful prosecution investigation."
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