Song Young-gil "Welcome Woo Sang-ho's Not Guilty Verdict... Comfort for Mental Suffering"

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 6th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 20th that he "welcomes the verdict" regarding the decision of no charges against lawmaker Woo Sang-ho for violating the Farmland Act.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Leader Song said, "I send my condolences for the mental distress endured during this time."

He emphasized, "The recommendation for withdrawal from the party for the 12 lawmakers at that time was not a disciplinary action but a measure taken because the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission is an agency without investigative authority, making it difficult to confirm the facts. Therefore, the matter was referred to investigative agencies for thorough investigation," adding, "This was a strategic decision to shed the image of double standards and to induce the People Power Party to undergo investigation together."

He continued, "I appreciate the five lawmakers and two proportional representatives who submitted their withdrawal letters in accordance with the party's decision, understanding the difficulties of political judgment," and requested, "I ask the police to conduct a swift investigation so that the truthfulness of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission's announcement can be promptly determined and to notify us of the results."

Regarding the process of handling the Press Arbitration Act the previous day, Leader Song expressed "regret" toward the opposition parties. He said, "I cannot understand the framing of the Press Arbitration Act as a 'law to gag the press.' This law excludes political and economic powers from its scope," adding, "It is simply a law for remedying damages caused to the public based on the social influence and impact of the press."

Addressing the opposition, he raised his voice, saying, "Are you planning to be in opposition forever?" and added, "You should not oppose blindly. This is thoroughly about protecting our people and urging fair journalism."

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