Jang Je-won Denies 'Joo Ho-young Conflict'... "Yoo Seung-min Causes Party Conflict"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kwon Hyun-ji] Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party considered a 'Yun Hae-gwan' (key associate of President Yoon Seok-yeol), dismissed rumors of conflict with floor leader Joo Ho-young.

On the 14th, after attending a meeting of senior lawmakers with three or more terms at the National Assembly, Jang told reporters, "The Democratic Party's behavior is shaking the Republic of Korea beyond just obstructing state affairs. If a strong current within the party is not expressed, how can the floor leader negotiate?"

Earlier, Jang directly criticized floor leader Joo Ho-young, chairman of the National Assembly Steering Committee, for removing presidential office aides who caused a 'written note' controversy during the committee's audit session, saying, "Cooperation is good, but what did we gain by doing that? There was simmering discontent among lawmakers." This sparked speculation about a conflict between 'pro-Yoon' and 'anti-Yoon' factions.

He explained, "I cannot understand some media reports saying 'conflict was caused.' Internal party division is triggered by former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min's unloving criticism, not by my remarks about floor leader Joo. How does that cause conflict?"

At the senior lawmakers' meeting that day, countermeasures against the Democratic Party's demand for a state audit were discussed. Jang said, "Regarding the state audit, we agreed that 'we cannot do that' in response to the Democratic Party's political offensive," adding, "It is a state audit on Lee Jae-myung's judicial risks, and the Democratic Party is politically exploiting the Itaewon tragedy." He also stated that there was no discussion about the position of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min.

Regarding voices within the party accepting the state audit, he said, "Do you think the truth can be uncovered through a state audit?" and added, "The truth should be uncovered through investigation, and practical discussions on how to compensate the victims?that is the mourning and countermeasure for the Itaewon tragedy."

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