Lee Cheol-gyu: "Malicious Handdal Behind My Son's Drug Scandal"
Shin Ji-ho: "We Should Prepare for an Early Presidential Election... This Is Subtraction Politics"
Former People Power Party (PPP) Strategy and Planning Vice Chairman Shin Ji-ho raised his voice against PPP lawmaker Lee Cheol-gyu, saying, "He is spreading low-quality conspiracy theories worse than those of an ordinary YouTuber."
Earlier, Lee, considered part of the pro-Yoon Seok-yeol faction, faced excessive criticism regarding allegations of liquid drug possession involving his son and daughter-in-law, and he mentioned 'Handdal' (hardcore supporters of former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon) as being behind the scenes.
Lee Cheol-gyu, a member of the People Power Party, is attending a party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th. 2025.3.13 Photo by Kim Hyun-min
On the 13th, former Vice Chairman Shin said on YTN Radio's Shin Yul's News Face-off, "Lee Cheol-gyu's claims have no basis," and criticized, "Is Handdal behind the drug investigation of his own son and daughter-in-law? Can former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon even exert influence over the police?"
He continued, "Lee Cheol-gyu's remarks are arbitrary subtraction politics," adding, "The person who would be happiest if we fight and clash is Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. If an early presidential election occurs, we need to consider whether to unite our strength, but if we keep spreading such absurd conspiracy theories, who do you think would benefit the most?"
Meanwhile, Lee stated that he was completely unaware of the liquid marijuana possession attempt case involving his son and daughter-in-law. He also claimed that there is a hidden force targeting him behind this incident.
In an interview with Sunday Newspaper on the 11th, he said, "The police secretly followed my son for 4 to 5 months," and added, "When they couldn't frame him for something else, they arrested him for attempted possession." Lee said, "Isn't this just to disgrace me?" and pointed out, "My son is receiving more excessive criticism because of me than for his own mistakes. There is definitely a hidden force behind this."
He further stated, "I have an idea who the hidden force is, but how can I say for sure without confirmation?" yet claimed, "When I see those who speak maliciously, they are all 'Handdal.' People in the Democratic Party don't do that because they also get hurt."
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