On the 31st, the People Power Party asserted that the guilty verdicts handed down to private developers involved in the Daejang-dong development corruption case in the first trial mean that a conviction for President Lee Jaemyung, who was the final decision-maker at the time, is only a matter of course.
Former Planning Director Yoo Donggyu of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, who was indicted on charges of corruption related to the Daejang-dong development scandal, is attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 31st, expressing his position. Photo by Yonhap News
Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in a commentary, "The main figures behind the Daejang-dong corruption have all been sentenced to lengthy prison terms and taken into custody after the first trial," adding, "The judiciary has acknowledged the reality of power-related corruption that occurred while President Lee was serving as mayor of Seongnam." He continued, "This is the context in which we make this claim."
He urged President Lee, "You must no longer remain silent and should clearly state your political and moral responsibility regarding the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong corruption scandals. The public will watch until the very end to see where the ultimate responsibility for this case lies."
He further added, "Today's verdict signals the beginning of the collapse of the 'Lee Jaemyung bulletproof administration.'"
Meanwhile, Na Kyungwon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, stated at a press conference held earlier in the day before the court's decision, "If President Lee also stands trial in accordance with the Constitution, it will help resolve national and constitutional conflicts surrounding the Daejang-dong case," urging, "Face the trial with confidence."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
