Song Eon-seok Urges Choi Minhee to Resign as Committee Chair Over Bribery Concerns Regarding Wedding Gifts

"Prevailing Opinion: Returning a Bribe Does Not Negate Bribery Charges"
"Cho Wonchul Claims President Lee Is Innocent... Must Be Dismissed Immediately"

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, on the 27th accused Choi Minhee, chair of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee from the Democratic Party, of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (Kim Young-ran Act) and of potential bribery. Song claimed that Choi received 1 million won each from officials of audited agencies as congratulatory money for her daughter's wedding during the parliamentary audit period, which recently sparked controversy.

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Song stated, "There is widespread discussion in the legal community that this case is highly likely to constitute a violation of the Kim Young-ran Act and also involves significant suspicion of bribery," and demanded, "Resign immediately from your position as committee chair."

Song further criticized, "You previously claimed to have found out about your child's wedding date by watching YouTube. However, photos show you meticulously checking who gave congratulatory money and how much each person contributed."

He continued, "You said you would return the money, but it is difficult to verify whether you received it in cash and then transferred it back by bank. The prevailing opinion in the legal community is that even if a bribe is returned, the crime of bribery still stands."

Song also argued, "Assigning the personal task of organizing congratulatory money to your aides is clearly an abuse of power. Chair Choi is not qualified to remain in that position. I urge her to resign immediately as committee chair. The next step is to fully cooperate with the investigation."

Previously, Chair Choi was captured by a media camera in the National Assembly plenary chamber checking the amounts of congratulatory money received from officials of audited agencies and some politicians at her daughter's wedding.

In response, Chair Choi's side explained, "We continued the parliamentary audit throughout last week, and since both the bride and groom were extremely busy, we checked the congratulatory money list today. We have decided to immediately return any congratulatory money received from institutions or companies related to the standing committee, as well as any amounts from individuals not related to the committee but deemed excessive based on personal relationships, and have delivered the list of names and amounts."

Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, told reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, "As a public official, using one's power to extort money is a very serious offense. The People Power Party plans to proceed with legal action, including calling for Chair Choi's resignation and filing a complaint."

Jo Wonchul, Chief of the Legislation Office, is responding to questions from committee members during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's audit of the Legislation Office held on the 24th in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Song Eon-seok also strongly criticized Jo Wonchul, Chief of the Legislation Office, for stating during the parliamentary audit that "President Lee Jaemyung is innocent." Jo, who was in the 18th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute with President Lee, previously served as a defense attorney in the Daejang-dong development scandal.

Song said, "Chief Jo disregarded his official duties and claimed that President Lee was acquitted of all 12 charges in 8 cases. He still seems to think of himself as President Lee's lawyer. When people like Chief Jo occupy key positions in the country, the nation's foundations are undermined."

He added, "The root of the problem is President Lee's personnel appointments, which prioritize loyalty over competence and expertise. Thirteen of the president's lawyers have been appointed to key positions, including the Presidential Office, Chief of the Legislation Office, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, National Intelligence Service, and Ambassador to the United Nations. Immediately dismiss Lee Chanjin, the ultimate hypocrite, and Jo Wonchul, the ultimate Red Guard."