"Unilateral Claims Cause Confusion"
Considering Legal Action Against Certain Reports
The office of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed that it is "deeply disappointed" with the interim investigation results announced by the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office regarding political broker Myung Tae-gyun.
On the afternoon of the 17th, Lee Jong-hyun, Seoul City’s Public Communication Special Advisor, issued a statement saying, "Due to Myung’s 2021 attempted fraud case involving Oh Se-hoon’s campaign, false claims and fake news are rampant, and Mayor Oh’s reputation is also being seriously damaged."
On the 13th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended and spoke at the report meeting on the abolition of regulations for investment and affiliated institutions held at the Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
Last December 3rd, Mayor Oh filed a complaint with the prosecution against Myung, along with 12 others including Democratic Party lawmakers, broadcast panelists, and representatives and reporters from Newstapa and Newstomato. This was in response to ongoing allegations related to Myung concerning manipulation of public opinion polls during the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election. Regarding the background of the complaint, Mayor Oh stated, "Myung and Kang Hye-kyung manipulated public opinion polls and deceived individuals such as Kim Han-jung, who were unaware of the manipulation, to embezzle money."
The special advisor said, "(Mayor Oh) has been submitting weekly requests for investigation since the 5th due to the lack of smooth progress in the investigation. He has also clearly expressed willingness to respond to summons if necessary," adding, "I emphasize again that we hope the investigation proceeds swiftly."
Additionally, the special advisor denied each of Myung’s claims. Regarding Myung’s assertion that he met Mayor Oh multiple times, he explained, "Even if he claims to have met several times, the important thing is what was accomplished during those meetings," and added, "The prosecution must immediately investigate to prevent unilateral claims from causing confusion."
Regarding reports that Myung received a message from Mayor Oh asking for 'ways to defeat Na Kyung-won,' the special advisor said, "To whom did he deliver that method (public opinion poll)?" and urged again, "It would be simple to clarify who it was through an investigation." He also stated that they would "consider filing a complaint" about the related content reported by The Hankyoreh newspaper.
He further emphasized, "Do we have to suffer such serious damage because of the sudden arrival of Kim Young-sun and Myung Tae-gyun?" and stressed, "The essence of the case is that in January to February 2021, Myung’s fraudulent methods aimed at then-candidate Oh Se-hoon and his associates were exposed, leading to his expulsion."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
