Cornered Yoon Mi-hyang, Will She Clarify Her Position... Party Member Board Already 'Boiling'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Kang Nahum and Won Dara] Intense debates are unfolding within the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) immediately following the second press conference held by Grandmother Lee Yong-soo regarding the Yoon Mi-hyang election scandal. However, the DPK leadership remains cautious, stating that "fact-checking must come first" and continues to withhold comments. Attention is also focused on whether Yoon, who has remained silent throughout the incident, will make a statement before being summoned by the prosecution.

After Grandmother Lee's press conference, over 300 posts related to the Yoon election scandal were uploaded on the DPK's member bulletin board on the morning of the 26th. The majority of posts criticized the party's response with comments such as "Is it hard to cut ties?" and "What more fact-checking is needed?" Furthermore, calls for the resignation of DPK leader Lee Hae-chan have emerged following Yoon's controversy. On the other hand, rebuttals such as "Pro-Japanese collaborators are manipulating Grandmother Lee" and "Should we expel members based on unverified allegations?" have also been raised. The controversy within the DPK has intensified, causing confusion.

DPK Chief Spokesperson Kang Hoon-sik issued a statement immediately after Grandmother Lee's press conference, expressing "deep regret and apology," but added, "Since the prosecution's investigation into Yoon is ongoing, we will wait for the results before deciding on future positions." He also emphasized, "The cause and history of the comfort women human rights movement must not be damaged by this controversy."

DPK lawmakers Kim Young-choon, Park Beom-gye, Park Yong-jin, and Kim Hae-young, who have voiced criticism regarding the incident, remain silent. Relatedly, DPK Supreme Council member Lee Hyung-seok reportedly said after a closed Supreme Council meeting on the 22nd, "Do not individually express opinions regarding the Yoon Mi-hyang allegations during the closed meeting. I am also holding back my words."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Following Grandmother Lee's press conference, political attention is focused on Yoon Mi-hyang, who has remained silent since her radio interview on the 18th. It is still unclear whether she will refute the allegations, apologize, or express regret. A party official explained, "There are people close to Yoon, and they are communicating with each other. However, no official channel has been activated."

The longer Yoon delays making a statement, the greater the pressure on the DPK. The party appears to be urging her to promptly clarify her position. Chief Spokesperson Kang said, "I believe Yoon will make a statement in the near future. I don't know exactly when or how, but since Grandmother Lee has made her statement, it is only natural for Yoon to respond."

DPK lawmaker Kang Chang-il also said in an MBC radio interview that "The prosecution investigation has begun. The facts should be left to that process," but added, "Before that, as a member of the National Assembly and a politician, Yoon should clarify her position on the various issues raised by Grandmother Lee. She should explain what needs to be explained." He emphasized, "If illegal activities such as accounting fraud are revealed after becoming a lawmaker, legal responsibility and resignation are possible, among other options."

Currently, legal circles anticipate that the prosecution may summon Yoon for questioning as early as this week. After the 30th, when the 21st National Assembly's term begins, it will be practically difficult to secure Yoon's custody. Therefore, there is speculation that Yoon will make a statement regarding her position before the summons, likely within this week.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.