Hong Ikpyo and Song Unseok Reach Consensus on Need to Uncover Truth Behind Unification Church and Nomination Fund Allegations

Hong Ikpyo: "President Lee Instructs Hospital Visit for Jang Donghyuk"

Hong Ikpyo, the newly appointed Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, and Song Unseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, reached a consensus on January 22 regarding the need to uncover the truth about the allegations involving the Unification Church and candidate nomination funds.

During a meeting at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Song stated, "A special prosecutor is necessary to thoroughly reveal the truth about the exchange of money involving religious groups. I urge the Blue House to proactively consider a dual special prosecutor system."

Hong Ikpyo, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House (second from right), visited the National Assembly on the 22nd to meet Song Unseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party (second from left), and posed for a commemorative photo. From left: Kim Eunhye, Deputy Chief Policy Secretary of the People Power Party, Floor Leader Song, Senior Secretary Hong, Yoo Sangbum, Deputy Chief of Floor Operations of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

He went on to mention the hunger strike by People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk, emphasizing, "This was a desperate struggle not just to appoint a special prosecutor, but to launch a political reform, a revolution in candidate nominations, and a self-purification movement to eradicate deeply rooted dark money in Yeouido and the political sphere."

Senior Secretary Hong responded, "We take the People Power Party's position very seriously. No party or politician agrees with any form of religious organization, including the Unification Church, intervening in politics and distorting political outcomes. I hope that during this session of the National Assembly, the ruling and opposition parties will work together to reach a smooth agreement-whether it be a special prosecutor or a parliamentary investigation-on the principle of separation of church and state."

In response, Floor Leader Song said, "Thank you for expressing that you share the view that there can be absolutely no tolerance for any illegal political funds or money exchanged in violation of the separation of church and state, whether it involves the Unification Church or any other religious group."

Senior Secretary Hong also revealed plans to visit Party Leader Jang, who ended his eight-day hunger strike and was hospitalized. "Leader Jang was transferred to the hospital today, and I hope for his speedy recovery," Hong said. "The President has also instructed me to visit the hospital as soon as possible. After consulting with the People Power Party leadership, I plan to visit him soon."