Choo Kyungho: "Nothing to Hide Before the People... Did Not Urge Lawmakers to Abstain from Martial Law Repeal Vote"

"Democratic Party's Political Maneuvering Seeks to Brand People Power Party as a Rebellion Faction Through False Agitation"
Jo Jiyeon on Call With Defense Minister: "It Was About a Long-Standing Local Project... Please Avoid Speculation"

On September 2, Choo Kyung-ho, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, commented on the search and seizure conducted by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok's team, which is investigating allegations of rebellion related to the December 3 Martial Law, stating, "We have nothing to hide or avoid before the law and principles, as we stand upright before the public."

Yonhap News Agency

Choo, who was the floor leader at the time of the martial law incident, wrote on Facebook that day, "We will never succumb to the political maneuvering of the Democratic Party of Korea, which is trying to brand the People Power Party as a party of rebellion through false agitation." Regarding the special prosecutor's investigation into allegations of obstructing the vote to lift martial law, he said, "This is nothing more than a baseless political offensive targeting the People Power Party," adding, "I have never encouraged any People Power Party lawmaker to abstain from the vote to lift martial law."

Choo stated, "On the day martial law was declared, after speaking with the president at the party headquarters, I did the opposite of what is alleged regarding vote obstruction by changing the location of the general assembly from party headquarters to the National Assembly and moving there with my fellow lawmakers." He continued, "When the Speaker of the National Assembly gave the final notice to convene the plenary session, I requested that measures be taken so lawmakers could enter the National Assembly." He added, "Immediately after the National Assembly passed the 'Resolution Calling for the Lifting of Martial Law,' I urged the government to take prompt action to lift martial law," emphasizing, "I will continue to respond confidently, sticking to the facts as they are."

Meanwhile, Jo Ji-yeon, a People Power Party lawmaker whose National Assembly office was searched and seized by the special prosecutor on the same day, explained that her call with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on the day martial law was declared "lasted about 37 seconds in the lawmaker's office" and "was solely to explain the cancellation of a meeting regarding the relocation of the 'Jain Unit,' a long-standing local project." She added, "I called first but could not reach him, and later received a call from the minister," urging, "Please refrain from reckless speculation."