Yoon on 'Cheongdam-dong Drinking Party' Allegations: "Low-Level Fake News... A Matter of National Dignity"

Democratic Party Moves to Amend Board of Audit and Inspection Act... Drawing the Line: "No Interference in Board of Audit Activities"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol criticized the late-night drinking party allegations with Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon on the 28th, calling them "low-level and childish fake news agitation that disrespects the people."

On the morning of the same day, on his way to the Yongsan Presidential Office, when reporters asked him about the related allegations raised by Kim Eui-gyeom, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, President Yoon responded, "Is there no other question?" and then said, "Honestly, it is even unthinkable to mention it in the president's mouth..." He added, "Wouldn't the very fact that such remarks come from the president's mouth be a matter related to national dignity?"

Earlier, at a National Assembly audit session, Representative Kim raised allegations that in July, President Yoon had a late-night drinking party at a high-end bar in Cheongdam-dong with Minister Han and a lawyer from a major law firm. In response, Minister Han strongly denied the allegations, stating, "I am willing to stake any public office, including the position of Minister of Justice." He also announced legal measures, saying, "We will hold The Tam-sa and its affiliates, who spread clear false information via YouTube and other platforms, as well as Kim Eui-gyeom, the Democratic Party spokesperson who admitted to collaborating with them, legally responsible both criminally and civilly." However, Representative Kim refused to back down, saying, "If I am to be held legally responsible for asking whether it is true, I will not avoid it," and "I will stand firm and fight. I will also continue to verify whether the reported content is accurate."

On the same day, President Yoon drew a clear line regarding the Democratic Party's push for the so-called 'Audit Complete Abolition Law,' which amends the Board of Audit and Inspection Act, stating, "Our government does not interfere or intervene in the audit activities of the Board of Audit and Inspection." The day before, the Democratic Party announced plans to submit a bill as a party resolution as early as next week to amend the Board of Audit and Inspection Act, which would increase transparency by disclosing decisions of the Audit Committee and strengthen the National Assembly's control over the Board of Audit and Inspection. The Democratic Party prepared the amendment bill, labeling audits such as the investigation into the West Sea public official shooting incident and the audit surrounding former Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee as political retaliation, claiming that the Board of Audit and Inspection has become the "president's executioner."

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