Democratic Party Forms Investigation Team for Jeon Bong-min Family Over 'Suspected Illicit Gift' Allegations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to form an investigative team to look into former lawmaker Jeon Bong-min and his family, who left the People Power Party amid allegations of illicit gift-giving and conflicts of interest.

Choi In-ho, the Democratic Party’s chief spokesperson, told reporters after the party’s Supreme Council meeting on the 23rd, "We have decided to immediately establish a provisional 'Investigation Team on Illegal Corruption of National Assembly Member Jeon Bong-min and His Family.'"

The investigation team will be jointly led by Assemblymen Jeon Jae-soo and Kim Hoe-jae.

Choi explained, “Right after its formation, the team will collaborate with the special committee (fact-finding investigation) established by the Busan City Party to launch a comprehensive investigation into various illegal and unlawful acts committed by Assemblyman Jeon Bong-min and his family.”

He added that during the meeting, the illegal issues involving Jeon and his family were regarded as serious matters, not something that could be resolved simply by resignation from the party. “We agreed to respond with all possible measures to prevent such problems from recurring in the National Assembly,” he said.

Additionally, the Democratic Party has strengthened consultations with the party’s floor leadership before its members propose bills. This move was prompted by recent controversy over Assemblyman Jin Seong-jun’s bill to amend the Basic Housing Act, which centers on the principle of ‘one household, one house ownership and residence,’ and was criticized as a ‘socialist idea.’

When asked if this was related to Assemblyman Jin, Chief Spokesperson Choi replied, “That is partly the case.” He added, “It is not about consulting on every bill, but since these activities affect the Policy Committee and the floor leadership, prior and subsequent consultations are necessary. It is important that this is done voluntarily as much as possible. The floor leadership and the Policy Committee also discussed raising awareness of this atmosphere among themselves.”

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