Ahn Cheolsu to Kim Minseok: "If Explaining 500 Million Won Is Too Difficult, Bring a Representative"

"It's Just a Matter of Arithmetic; If It's Too Difficult, He Should at Least Send a Representative"
"President Lee Also Said He Believes Kim Will Explain Himself Well at the Hearing"

Ahn Cheolsu, Member of the People Power Party. Ahn Cheolsu Facebook

Ahn Cheolsu, a member of the People Power Party, intensified his criticism of Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, saying, "It would be a simple matter if he just revealed the source of his funds. If he cannot do it himself, he should at least send a representative."

On June 20, Ahn stated on his Facebook page, "This issue could be easily resolved if he disclosed the source of his funds or accepted our party's request for witnesses to prove his integrity."

Ahn continued, "He just needs to explain the source of the 500 million won that does not appear in his asset and tax filings. The assets disclosed this time increased from minus 580 million won in May 2020 to plus 215 million won as of June this year. Despite spending on living expenses, making church donations, paying for his son's overseas studies, and repaying a 600 million won penalty, it means he was able to save 160 million won every year."

He went on to say, "At that time, Kim was a member of the National Assembly. Did he somehow receive two or three times the normal salary? Or does he have a magical wallet that doubles his salary when he puts it in? If such a wallet exists, he should donate it to the country and contribute to the national relief fund. That would surely please President Lee Jaemyung, the nominee himself, and the citizens who would receive the support."

Criticism of Kim Minseok, the nominee for Prime Minister from the People Power Party. Ahn Cheolsoo Facebook

As of 2020, the annual salary for a member of the National Assembly was about 150 million won, which amounts to roughly 12.6 million won per month. After deductions for taxes and insurance, the actual monthly take-home pay is about 9 million won. Even saving the entire salary would not be enough to accumulate the 160 million won per year that Ahn claims.

Ahn also added that if the issue is too difficult, Kim should at least appoint a representative. He stated, "All that needs to be done is to accept our party's request for witnesses related to the political funds allegations. Mr. Kang was a key figure who handed over illegal political funds in Kim's 2008 violation of the Political Funds Act. Even after that, Mr. Kang lent Kim money again and even served as the head of his supporters' association."

He further said, "Kim is also facing suspicions of 'split donations' and illegal political funds, as he reportedly borrowed 10 million won each from nine people on the same day. President Lee Jaemyung said regarding the allegations against Kim, 'I believe he will be able to explain himself sufficiently at the hearing.' For Kim to meet the president's expectations, he should accept all the witnesses requested by our party and confidently prove his integrity. Only when all the doubts that the public is watching are resolved will the people be able to trust the Prime Minister with peace of mind."