Choi In-ho "Kim Bong-hyun's Exposure... Does the People Power Party Still Oppose the Corruption Investigation Office?"

Choi In-ho, the senior spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, is briefing the results of the high-level party-government meeting at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] On the 22nd, Choi In-ho, the chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the release of the second prison letter by Kim Bong-hyun (46, detained), former chairman of Star Mobility, saying, "In short, this is a revelation that contains all the reasons why the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is necessary."

Choi, in a post on his Facebook on the same day, criticized, "Will the People Power Party still oppose the CIO despite this? The revelations by Kim Bong-hyun, partially confirmed through the Ministry of Justice’s inspection, are becoming increasingly concrete." He added, "These are disclosures of unacceptable corruption and dealings between financial fraudsters and some prosecutors."

He further stated, "The shocking part is the revelation that the prosecution conducted biased investigations only against ruling party figures," pointing out, "The reality of 66 summonses over six months for Kim Bong-hyun was a biased and fabricated investigation."

He continued to criticize, "Despite lobbying testimonies involving opposition politicians, the investigation did not proceed, which clearly shows how serious the politicization of the prosecution is."

Choi emphasized, "This is the reason why the People Power Party opposed the CIO," adding, "'They are opposing the establishment of the CIO to investigate prosecutorial corruption, sending a signal not to investigate Kim Bong-hyun’s lobbying related to opposition figures.' They have continuously made claims that suit the tastes of some political prosecutors opposing the CIO’s establishment."

He urged the People Power Party, "Stop the politically motivated calls for special prosecutors aimed at buying time to protect your party members, and cooperate with the establishment of the CIO, which is akin to a permanent special prosecutor." He warned, "Otherwise, your party will fall not as a party supported by the people but as one relying on some political prosecutors."

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