Lee Junseok Proposes Special Prosecutor Meeting... Jang Donghyuk "Accepts," Cho Kuk "Declines" (Comprehensive)

On January 11, Lee Junseok, Representative of the Reform New Party, proposed a meeting with the People Power Party and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party to discuss the enactment of a special prosecutor law aimed at investigating allegations of nomination fund bribery involving former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byungki and expelled lawmaker Kang Sunwoo.

Lee Junseok, Representative of the Reform New Party. Photo by Yonhap News

On Facebook that day, Representative Lee stated, "I request a joint meeting of opposition party leaders with Jang Donghyuk, Representative of the People Power Party, and Cho Kuk, Representative of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party," adding, "This would be an opportunity to discuss the prompt enactment of a special prosecutor law to ensure a swift launch of a special investigation into both the Jeon Jaesoo-Unification Church scandal and the Kim Byungki-Kang Sunwoo nomination fund scandal within the Democratic Party."

Targeting the Democratic Party, Lee criticized, "Even in the face of clear allegations of nomination fund bribery, the investigation is stagnating. The special investigation into the Unification Church is also being delayed without progress," and added, "We cannot continue to watch as the ruling party undermines the rule of law in this way."

Representative Jang stated, "Investigations into the Unification Church case and the nomination bribery case, both involving key ruling party figures, are not proceeding properly. A special prosecutor is essential to ensure a thorough and swift investigation," and continued, "Attaching conditions would only reveal a lack of sincerity regarding the special prosecutor law. The remaining issues can be discussed in person. I hope for Representative Cho Kuk's broad-minded decision."

In contrast, Cho Kuk, Representative of the Innovation Party, made it clear he would not attend the joint meeting of opposition party leaders. Spokesperson Park Byeongeon commented, "Representative Cho expressed his refusal to Representative Lee, who requested a meeting by text at around 3 p.m. that day, by sending an official statement from the spokesperson's office."

Spokesperson Park pointed out, "While the Reform New Party claims to seek opposition cooperation regarding ruling party corruption allegations, in reality, it is acting to benefit the People Power Party. This is an act of collusion to obstruct the investigation," and added, "At a time when outdated practices like nomination fund bribery should be eradicated, cooperating with the People Power Party to cover up the aftermath could be seen as self-denial by the Reform New Party."

Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Innovation Party, said, "(The Innovation Party) is at the forefront of insisting on a thorough investigation into issues like nomination fund bribery, which are centered around the two major parties," and added, "If there is opposition to including Shincheonji in the scope of the special prosecutor, it appears to be an argument aimed at attacking the Democratic Party, rather than a genuine effort to resolve the issue."