Joo Ho-young: "Pushing the Corruption Investigation Office Act like that, what kind of gangster behavior is that?"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the 'Activation of Financial Services for the Common People and Support for Small Business Owners' forum held at the National Assembly on the 18th, delivering a congratulatory speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, opposed the ruling party's push to force through the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (PCC), saying, "What kind of gangster behavior is that?"

After attending the 'Activation of Financial Services for the Common People and Support for Small Business Owners' forum hosted by Representative Lee Myung-soo at the National Assembly Library on the 18th, Floor Leader Joo told reporters, "When the law was made, they emphasized many times that 'if the opposition party's right to recommend is guaranteed, such a thing would never happen.'"

He pointed out, "They are trying to nominate a candidate whose independence and neutrality are not guaranteed without any verification," and asked, "What is there to hide so much that they want to create the PCC and do it this way?"

Floor Leader Joo said, "If the PCC works properly, high-ranking officials including those from the Democratic Party of Korea would be the ones most punished, but the reason they are acting so aggressively is not to investigate high-ranking officials but to pressure the prosecution that would investigate their own misconduct," adding, "They are acting arrogantly and repeatedly making unreasonable demands just because they won the election and have many seats."

Regarding voices within the party saying 'the presidential candidate should step aside for the Seoul mayoral race,' he said, "It is also a task for us to field the most competitive candidate for Seoul mayor," adding, "Since each person is acting under their own responsibility, it would be best if it harmonizes well."

On former Representative Geum Tae-seop, who declared his intention to run for Seoul mayor but said he would not join the People Power Party, he said, "No comment," withholding further remarks.

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