Joo Jinwoo: "Lee Chunseok Must Be Investigated by Special Prosecutor... Opposition Should Appoint Special Prosecutor in Democratic Party’s Way"

"Fake Withdrawal Show Is Not Enough"
Calls for Full Investigation Into National Policy Planning Committee Stock Transactions and Lawmakers' Borrowed-Name Accounts
Opposition-Led Special Prosecutor Bill to Be Introduced

Joo Jinwoo, a lawmaker running for the leadership of the People Power Party, on August 6 called for the appointment of a special prosecutor in connection with suspicions of stock transactions under borrowed names by lawmaker Lee Chunseok. He also announced plans to introduce a related special prosecutor bill.

On August 6, through social media, Joo stated, "I have just filed a complaint against Lee. The charge is using undisclosed information through an account under a borrowed name," adding, "A fake withdrawal from the party is not enough. Additional measures are needed to quell public anger."

Lee Chunseok, a lawmaker who left the Democratic Party, is checking a stock account opened under another person's name at the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 4th. Photo by The Fact

In this regard, he called for a full investigation into stock transactions by members of the National Policy Planning Committee and into lawmakers' transactions under borrowed names. Regarding the committee, Joo emphasized, "We must thoroughly investigate whether, like Lee, any committee members have used sensitive state information to make preemptive purchases of beneficiary or theme stocks," and insisted on "a full investigation of all committee members." He further stated, "Lawmakers who, like Lee, manage assets under the names of their aides should be identified and stripped of their parliamentary badges."

He also reiterated the need for a special prosecutor. Joo said, "The chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee is a person of power," and, "Even if there is a fake withdrawal from the party, the Democratic Party will shield Lee. A special prosecutor must thoroughly investigate without being influenced by those in power to ensure there are no similar crimes." He added, "Of course, as is customary with the Democratic Party, the special prosecutor should be appointed by the opposition, excluding the Democratic Party. I will soon submit the special prosecutor bill. If they want to avoid public backlash, they must accept it."