"Distorting as if the Democratic Party Opposes"
On December 28, the Democratic Party of Korea criticized the People Power Party regarding the "Unification Church Special Prosecutor Act," stating, "We are appalled by the shamelessness of the People Power Party, which distorts the facts as if the Democratic Party is opposing the special prosecutor and launches political attacks."
Suhyun Park, Chief Spokesperson, said in a written briefing that day, in response to People Power Party leader Donghyuk Jang's press conference where he claimed the special prosecutor bill proposed by the Democratic Party was an attempt to "water down" the issue: "Once again today, Leader Jang deceives the public with sophistry and agitation." Park added, "If both parties sincerely negotiate, the Unification Church special prosecutor can be implemented immediately. The fact that the People Power Party disparages it as a 'watered-down' measure is itself evidence of their lack of sincerity regarding the special prosecutor."
Park also questioned the People Power Party's opposition to investigating the Shincheonji allegations as part of the Unification Church special prosecutor, asking, "Shouldn't we take this opportunity to eradicate the problem of collusion between politics and religion at its root?"
Hyunjung Kim, Floor Spokesperson, said in a briefing, "Is the People Power Party afraid to actually proceed with the Unification Church special prosecutor?" She urged, "Stop nitpicking and let’s move forward with the special prosecutor." Kim pointed out, "Even in the People Power Party's own special prosecutor bill, if the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recommends two candidates, the president makes the final appointment. On what grounds does the People Power Party claim that only the Democratic Party's bill would be subject to government influence? In the end, it just appears as if they are making excuses because they do not want the special prosecutor."
She continued, "It is also difficult to understand the overreaction to including Shincheonji. If the goal is to uncover the truth, both cases should be investigated without sanctuary. Excessive reactions to specific terms only raise suspicion among the public about what the People Power Party might be trying to hide."
The Democratic Party also criticized the People Power Party for opposing the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, which addresses unresolved issues from the three major special prosecutor investigations (insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and Chae Haebyung). Park stated, "It is only right to first apologize for inflicting an indelible wound on the people through the martial law coup. The blatant attempts to obstruct the truth and avoid responsibility are shamelessness itself."
Meanwhile, Kim also criticized the People Power Party for opposing the amendment to the Press Arbitration Act, which would expand the scope of press mediation, calling it an attempt to "muzzle the press." Kim said, "The People Power Party has been obsessed with shutting down media outlets through massive lawsuits. The very parties who have trampled on the press now talking about freedom is the height of hypocrisy, and the public is fed up with it."
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