Woo Sang-ho "Speculation Allegations Cleared by Police, Honor Restored... Do Not Agree with Political Tactics of Sacrifice"

Woo Sang-ho, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Woo Sang-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that the police have concluded no charges regarding allegations of real estate speculation.

On the 19th, Woo stated on Facebook, "The police authorities have concluded no charges regarding the violation of the Farmland Act. Justice has been served, a natural conclusion," adding, "With this, the honor damaged by the inadequate investigation of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the Democratic Party leadership's recommendation for expulsion has been restored."

He also criticized the Democratic Party leadership's political judgment. Woo said, "Is it really appropriate to impose a de facto disciplinary action such as recommending expulsion when the allegations against a party member are not proven with substantial evidence?" He continued, "They made the decision to recommend expulsion without even hearing the party member's explanation, despite this being a matter that affects a lawmaker's political life. They justified it as a necessary evil or a painful but necessary measure, but this is unprecedented in party history."

He added, "If the party adopts a political tactic of sacrificing innocent party members to overcome crises when the party is in trouble, can the party survive? Is this truly within the realm of political judgment? I cannot agree with this."

Woo pointed out, "Our party has a history of losing comrades due to oppression by those in power and judicial authorities during long years in opposition. Each time, there has been a tradition of protecting comrades and fighting together. Even disciplinary measures were traditionally discussed only after the first trial verdict from the judiciary," he said, criticizing, "If this tradition collapses, if the belief that the party protects me collapses, can party members continue to fight fiercely?"

He has refused the Democratic Party leadership's recommendation for expulsion. Woo said, "Although I thought the measure was unfair and unreasonable, I refrained from publicly criticizing the party leadership and remained secluded for over two months. I believed that public opposition would cause internal conflict within the party," adding, "Now that my honor has been restored, I promise to forget everything and do my best for the reestablishment of the government."

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