"Y Chirago" Lee Dong-hoon's 'Passport Fabrication' Claim Met with Ruling Party's "Low-Quality Self-Drama... Not Worth Commenting"

Former Chosun Ilbo editorial writer Lee Dong-hoon, who was investigated on charges of receiving money and goods from a 'fake fisherman' Kim, is leaving the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Violent Crime Investigation Unit on the afternoon of the 13th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Former Chosun Ilbo editorial writer Lee Dong-hoon, who is accused of accepting bribes from Kim, who impersonated a fisherman, is claiming that this incident is a political plot by the ruling party, causing a stir in the political sphere.

Lee, who previously served as a spokesperson for former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, appeared at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Violent Crime Investigation Unit on the 13th for questioning. Afterward, he told reporters, "A person from the ruling party came to me and said that if I 'hit Y' and helped them, they would make it as if nothing happened."

Lee said, "They spoke as if it had been coordinated with the police. I said, 'I won't do it.' My face and name were plastered all over the media. It was the same day Yoon declared his political participation. The situation spiraled out of control. This is a plot," he asserted.

Some speculate that the "Y" Lee mentioned refers to former Prosecutor General Yoon.

In response, the People Power Party has announced plans to thoroughly investigate the truth. On the same day, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, stated on his Facebook, "It is shocking that they tried to persuade him by saying they would make it as if nothing happened if he helped the regime," and pledged, "The party will immediately begin a thorough investigation."

Lee also appeared on MBN's 'News Update' and said, "We need to carefully consider whether to take (Lee's claims) at face value, but the matter is very serious," adding, "If true, it can be seen as an attempt to slander a leading opposition presidential candidate."

On the other hand, the Democratic Party drew a line, calling it a "low-quality fabrication." Ko Yong-jin, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, told the media, "They talk about political plots, but it looks like a low-quality fabrication," and added, "If there is a specific ruling party figure who tried to persuade him, they should reveal the name and request an investigation. (Lee's claims) are so absurd that they are not even worth commenting on."

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