Leading Opposition Presidential Candidates Gather to Urge "Daejang-dong Special Prosecutor"

People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok and presidential primary candidates are shouting slogans at a press conference calling for a special investigation into the Lee Jae-myung Daejang-dong gate held at the National Assembly on the 6th. From the left: Yoo Seung-min, Choi Jae-hyung, Ha Tae-kyung, Ahn Sang-soo candidates, the leader, Hwang Kyo-ahn, Won Hee-ryong candidate, Cho Kyung-tae, head of Hong Joon-pyo candidate camp, Yoon Seok-youl candidate, and Kim Ki-hyun floor leader. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Presidential candidates from the People Power Party gathered in one place to call for a special prosecution regarding the 'Daejang-dong preferential treatment suspicion.'

At the People Power Party's 'Call for Special Prosecution on Lee Jae-myung Daejang-dong Gate' press conference held at the National Assembly on the 6th, seven out of eight presidential candidates attended and spoke with one voice.

Former Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo said, "It has become a worldwide laughingstock. Comprehensive real estate corruption has occurred in the Republic of Korea, and I think people are mocking Korea for not investigating this properly and immediately." He added, "President Moon Jae-in is neglecting his duties. A special prosecution must be conducted quickly."

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong stated, "We urge a special prosecution. We urge a prosecution investigation. It is a race against time." He emphasized, "If you do not act, we will form an investigative team with numerous conscientious citizens, the media, and civil society to reveal the truth before the presidential election. We will make the entire nation certain that Governor Lee Jae-myung’s place is not the Blue House but prison."

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min also said, "If President Moon refuses to accept the special prosecution and tries to sweep this case under the rug, ultimately nominating Lee as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, we will definitely change the regime and expose even the crimes President Moon concealed." He added, "I hope President Moon thinks clearly now and makes the right choice."

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung said, "The Daejang-dong Gate is a case where the prosecution colluded to obstruct the investigation, the judiciary colluded to evade the law, and political power colluded to silence the issue." He argued, "Before Korea rots further, the Daejang-dong monster must be cut out. To catch this dual-faced Asura Count who preaches fairness in front but profits behind the scenes, only a special prosecution is the answer."

Lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung pointed out, "Immediate seizure and search of suspect Lee and a swift investigation are urgently needed, but the Moon administration, the Democratic Party, and the prosecution are protecting the suspect and helping conceal the crime." He warned, "The longer time is wasted, the sooner the Democratic Party will collapse, leading to its collapse from within the Moon administration."

Former Future United Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn said, "The prosecution cannot conduct a proper investigation. The police cannot. The Corruption Investigation Office cannot. Then, only a special prosecution is the answer." He criticized, "Between speed and accuracy, accuracy is important, but speed is more important, according to those who have conducted long investigations. No matter how good an investigation is, if it is late, many victims will emerge."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl raised his voice in criticism of the prosecution. He said, "Before calling for a special prosecution, I strongly warn the Korean prosecution." He pointed out, "The majority of the public believes this case must be thoroughly investigated. It is a mistake to think it is discretionary whether to investigate a case with serious crime charges or how to conduct a low-intensity investigation that allows evidence destruction and time to fabricate. If done wrong, one must bear criminal responsibility later."

Meanwhile, lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo was absent from the press conference due to a Daegu party member event schedule. Instead, Jo Kyung-tae, the election committee chairman of Hong’s camp, attended. Hong said on Facebook, "President Moon should not become a president who conceals corruption as he approaches retirement."

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