Hong Ik-pyo: "Yoon Mi-hyang should sufficiently clarify... No confirmation of embezzlement or misappropriation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Hong Ik-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on Yoon Mi-hyang, the Democratic Party elected member, holding a press conference at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 29th, saying, "She should clarify what needs to be clarified and apologize if there are parts that require an apology." However, he added, "So far, no embezzlement or misappropriation has been confirmed among the allegations raised."

On the morning of the same day, Representative Hong appeared on YTN Radio and said, "I think she should sufficiently clarify what she needs to clarify today and apologize if there are parts that require an apology."

He said, "Although it has not been confirmed, if there are parts for which she must take responsibility, one would be political responsibility and the other legal responsibility," adding, "Legal responsibility has been handed over to the prosecution, so I believe it will be revealed during the prosecution's investigation process."

He continued, "However, one thing to confirm now is that no embezzlement or misappropriation has been confirmed among the allegations raised so far," and said, "A straightforward example seems to be confusion arising from not recognizing the difference between the settlement report of a general social organization and the National Tax Service reporting form."

He further explained, "There is talk about the omission of 2 billion won in national subsidies, but this national subsidy money is currently not actually paid out," adding, "For example, if 2 billion won is opened, the government gives money to the relevant company when tax invoices or supporting documents are attached and uploaded online. It is impossible for an individual organization to take the money and embezzle or misappropriate it."

However, he added, "I do not think the explanations so far can prove Yoon's innocence," and said, "If she did not spend the money but colluded with some company to create fake documents, it is inevitable, but I think that is a matter the prosecution should clarify."

Regarding the reason why Yoon, who had been in hiding for 11 days, held a press conference on the last day before the opening of the 21st National Assembly, Representative Hong said, "It seems she needed some time. Considering that she was a director or representative for nearly 20 years, it seems she needed considerable time to organize the various allegations during that period."

He added, "It seems there was also a process of checking how she received and spent money from the bank, including issues with personal accounts."

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