"If You Have Evidence, Present It" Yoon Seok-yeol's 'Soliciting Prosecution' Allegation, How Will He Overcome It? [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Yoon Suk-yeol "Does Not Make Sense" Refutes 'Prosecution Referral' Allegations
Lee Jun-seok Says "Not Yoon's Response Situation" If No Additional Reports

Yoon Seok-yeol, a preliminary candidate for the People Power Party's presidential primary, attended a meeting with the Korean Church Representative Federation and lay organizations held at the Christian Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 3rd, delivering a greeting. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate and former Prosecutor General, has been embroiled in the so-called 'report solicitation' allegations. Amid stagnant approval ratings and relentless attacks from both ruling and opposition presidential candidates, there are views that he is effectively facing a crisis. Some also believe that depending on whether Yoon overcomes this crisis, not only the opposition but also the overall landscape of this presidential election could change.

Earlier on the 3rd, Yoon met with reporters while carrying out scheduled events such as visiting the Korean Church Representative Federation and paying respects at the Jeon Tae-il statue, regarding the 'report solicitation' allegations. He categorically denied the allegations, saying, "The very idea of soliciting reports does not make sense," and added, "This is an issue that does not require a report, so why would anyone do that?"

In particular, Yoon stated, "Do you remember last January when prosecutors investigating government corruption were not only dismissed but even those who supported their stance were expelled as retaliatory personnel?" He continued, "Investigations were not conducted at all against people unfavorable to the government. Even if victims filed complaints, investigations were uncertain; would they investigate just because of a report? The very idea of soliciting reports is against common sense."

He also said, "If there is (evidence), present it," adding, "Looking at last year's Channel A case, the responsible reporter was acquitted, and the political manipulation of the media and prosecution was exposed." Yoon's camp is currently reviewing the level of legal response to this report.

However, on the 5th, the fourth day since the report solicitation allegations surfaced, Yoon remained tight-lipped. At the fair primary pledge ceremony and meeting with election commission chairman candidates held at the party headquarters that day, he said, "Let's firmly show the people our will for regime change," but did not hold a Q&A session with reporters.

Some point out that this issue is directly related to 'fairness and common sense,' which Yoon has distinguished himself from the Moon Jae-in administration by emphasizing. There is a view that how he overcomes this allegation could significantly affect not only his approval ratings but also his political capability.

A supporter in his 40s who identified as a People Power Party supporter said, "Yoon Seok-yeol emphasized fairness and justice above all," adding, "But if this allegation turns out to be true, it would be a severe blow."

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding this, Party Leader Lee Jun-seok stated that the facts need to be ascertained. In a KBS interview on the 5th, Lee said, "Shouldn't the prosecution quickly conclude this through an internal audit?" and added, "(Even if a party audit begins) matters outside party affairs cannot be interrogated." Lee emphasized, "Unless the media that reported this has additional materials to establish a connection, Yoon is not in a position to respond."

Meanwhile, criticism from intra-party competitors is intensifying. On the same day, Representative Hong Joon-pyo wrote on his Facebook, "Responding to something that will soon be revealed by calling it political manipulation is a shameless denial tactic commonly used by existing politicians," and urged, "Confess the truth and apologize to the public now."

Former Representative Yoo Seung-min also wrote on social media on the 4th, "If the allegations are true, it is a constitutional crime involving the privatization of prosecutorial power," and questioned, "If Yoon knew about it, was involved, or gave instructions, will he resign from the candidacy?"

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung stated on social media on the 2nd, "If Yoon instructed or condoned the report solicitation, it seriously undermines the political neutrality of the prosecution," adding, "Even if he was unaware, he cannot be free from command responsibility." He urged Yoon to reveal the truth so as not to become an obstacle to the people's wish for regime change.

The ruling party launched an all-out offensive. Former Democratic Party Leader Lee Nak-yeon held an emergency press conference on the 2nd, calling for "strong additional measures such as an investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit and a parliamentary audit."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung criticized on his Facebook, "If true, this is blatant political intervention by the prosecution and a clear attempt at a prosecutorial coup."

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae raised suspicions, saying, "If (the report) is true, this is a clear Yoon Seok-yeol political manipulation gate." Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun demanded the convening of the Judiciary Committee, stating, "If true, this is a serious crime shaking the foundation of the nation."

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk claimed, "Yoon Seok-yeol's prosecution had plans ahead of the general election," and added, "This is a clear criminal act beyond media freedom infringement. The deputy chief prosecutor Son, who solicited the report, as well as the higher-ups, must be immediately investigated."

Meanwhile, while Yoon is responding to the 'report solicitation' allegations, a poll showed for the first time that Representative Hong has overtaken Yoon. On the 5th, polling agency R&Search, commissioned by Gyeonggi Newspaper, conducted a survey over two days from the 3rd among 1,017 adults nationwide and announced the results that day. Representative Hong received 32.5% support, 3.4 percentage points higher than Yoon's 29.1%, who ranked second.

On the same day, Hong claimed on his Facebook, "Finally, I have achieved a golden cross," and said, "I am ahead of my opponents by an average of 14% among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, leading in Honam and nationwide. I am only behind in Chungcheong and among those in their 60s, but in terms of expansion, I overwhelmingly surpass my opponents."

He added, "I believe Chungcheong and the 60s will soon return. I will aim for 50% support and run like a whirlwind. The only person who can beat Lee Jae-myung is Hong Joon-pyo." However, when limiting respondents to People Power Party supporters, Yoon recorded 53.2%, nearly twice Hong's 27.2%.

When respondents were not limited, Hong's support in Honam was 42.7%, nearly three times Yoon's 14.9%. The response rate for this survey was 4.4%, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Detailed information can be found on the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.

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