"Corruption by Those in Power Must Be Exposed Through a Special Investigation"
As Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, continues his hunger strike for the fifth day demanding that the Democratic Party of Korea accept a 'dual special investigation' into the Unification Church and nomination bribes, Kim Jaewon, Supreme Council member of the same party, has also begun a solidarity hunger strike.
On the 19th, during an appearance on CBS Radio's 'Park Sungtae's News Show,' Supreme Council member Kim stated, "When Representative Jang began his hunger strike, I publicly announced to the media that I would also join in solidarity when the time was right. Due to unavoidable commitments, I had not been able to participate until now, but starting today, I have joined the hunger strike," adding, "I am fasting together to support Representative Jang's hunger strike."
Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, who has been on a hunger strike for five days demanding the Democratic Party of Korea accept a 'dual special investigation' into the Unification Church and nomination bribes, is seated at the protest site set up in the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Regarding Representative Jang's health condition, he said, "He fell asleep at 3 a.m. and has not yet woken up," and added, "Although I cannot confirm his exact health condition, it appears that he has entered a considerably deteriorated state."
Addressing criticism that hunger strikes are 'harmful to health and not a desirable method,' he said, "One must respect the individual's will," but also noted, "A hunger strike is a form of protest that, if ignored by everyone, can ultimately lead to death." He continued, "Ultimately, the key issue is how the opposing side values a person's life and how we overcome this shameless and abnormal situation."
Kim Jaewon explained the purpose of the hunger strike, saying, "Due to the extreme disparity in the number of seats in the National Assembly, the Democratic Party is effectively running a one-party dictatorship," and pointed out, "The Democratic Party is not cooperating in any form regarding the normal operation of the National Assembly."
He went on to say, "The investigation into former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-soo, who is suspected of bribery involving the Unification Church foundation, is not being properly conducted, and there is no investigation at all into the nomination bribery cases involving Assemblymen Kim Byungki and Kang Sunwoo." He added, "Our position is that corruption and illegal acts by those in power must be revealed through a special investigation." He further stated, "The Democratic Party has only been pursuing the rebellion special investigation and the so-called three major special investigations, and now, even as they move toward a comprehensive special investigation, they are completely ignoring the much-needed special investigation into the Unification Church. That is why the party leader himself has stepped forward to push for this through a hunger strike."
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