Yoon Seok-yeol Continues 'Checks' Against Lee Jae-myung: "Special Prosecutor Diversion Is Not Right to the People"

Draws the line saying "No need to comment" on 'Chobo Unjeonja' remarks
"Daejangdong special investigation must be done even now"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is attending a press conference hosted by the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club (SFCC) at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 12th, answering questions from reporters. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Since being selected as the final candidate of the People Power Party on the 5th, Yoon Seok-yeol, the party's presidential candidate, has been continuously throwing "checks" at Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.

On the 9th, Yoon stated on Facebook, "The Democratic Party must immediately stop attempting to use national finances as political funds." He criticized the Democratic Party's decision to reflect excess tax revenue in next year's income to secure funds for the nationwide disaster relief payments proposed by Lee as a "trick" and so-called "tax plundering."

Yoon pointed out, "According to the National Finance Act, if there is a surplus in tax revenue, it should be primarily used for debt repayment and local government grants." He added, "But since it is difficult to secure funds for disaster relief payments with this year's tax revenue, they are resorting to 'tricks.'"

He continued, "The nationwide disaster relief payments have been criticized repeatedly as malignant populism. Nevertheless, the Democratic Party is cleverly adjusting the timing of tax payments to try to distribute money by any means," adding, "Even if you call it 'tax plundering,' there is nothing to say."

On the 10th, after visiting Gwangju and meeting with reporters, Yoon described Lee's "conditional acceptance of a special prosecutor" as "a desirable action." However, Lee emphasized that if a special prosecutor is introduced, the investigation should include allegations of Yoon's involvement in the Busan Savings Bank corruption and inadequate investigation. In response, on the 11th, Yoon criticized, "Is there a problem with Busan Savings Bank? Are there any illegal charges found through investigation? If you are going to accept a special prosecutor, then accept it; if not, then don't. Trying to muddy the waters with absurd conditions is not right toward the people."

Regarding the Daejang-dong suspicion special prosecutor, Yoon reiterated a firm stance. He said, "It should be done even now," and added, "The prosecution is not conducting a proper investigation."

Regarding Lee's comparison of Yoon to a "novice driver" and his remark that "a novice driver is more dangerous than a drunk driver," Yoon drew a line, saying, "I do not feel the need to comment on that." After the Kwanhun Debate on the 10th, Lee said, "A leader should not make mistakes. The possibility of making mistakes should be low," and "But novices have a high possibility of making mistakes," which sparked controversy. The People Power Party fiercely attacked this as sophistry from a person with a drunk driving record. Lee has a prior drunk driving conviction.

When asked, "Since Lee has not held back briefings since the 5th, will you continue to express your position in front of reporters?" Yoon emphasized differentiation from Lee, saying, "I will do so even if I become president." Back briefings are on-the-spot questions from the press, and Lee has not held back briefings from the 5th until the day before.

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