Ruling Party Launches 'Full-Scale Offensive' Against Lee Jae-myung: "Be Proud Before the People"

Joo Ho-young "If You Have No Responsibility, Go and Clarify"
People Power Party Spokespersons Unite in Pressuring Lee Jae-myung

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] As the prosecution notified Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, of a summons for investigation, the People Power Party continued their full-scale offensive, urging him to "show a respectable appearance before the people."

On the morning of the 23rd, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at a party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly, "Instead of engaging in back-and-forth debates in the political arena, (Leader Lee) should, as he said, go and confidently clarify if he is not responsible." He added, "It doesn't seem like a case of the entire party being mobilized for opposition party oppression, but the response seems to be mishandled."

Joo further pointed out, "(Leader Lee) said on Facebook last August, 'Even if we assume that advertising fees were received on the condition of changing the use, it benefits the citizens of Seongnam, not Lee Jae-myung personally, so theoretically it cannot be bribery,' but this is incorrect." He criticized, "I don't know why he makes such a big mistake as a lawyer, but this is third-party bribery." At that time, Leader Lee explained that the Seongnam FC sponsorship funds were regarded as 'public interest' and that he did not pursue 'private gain.'

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Seong Il-jong, chairman of the Policy Committee, also said at the meeting that day, "If Leader Lee is truly confident, this summons notification from the prosecution will rather be a good opportunity to clear the criminal charges against him," adding, "It is not something to fear, but something to welcome."

Chairman Seong emphasized, "Under the Yoon Seok-youl administration, the law will be enforced equally to all. Do not try to cover it up with a political frame," and said, "If there is guilt, pay the price; if not, you will be able to clear the charges and continue political activities with a clear conscience."

The People Power Party pressured Leader Lee in unison, from the party spokesperson to the floor spokesperson. Senior spokesperson Yang Geum-hee said in a statement the day before, "You may temporarily hide behind the shield of a huge parliamentary majority, but the truth will inevitably be revealed," urging, "Now, humbly face the truth that can never be hidden forever." Floor spokesperson Kim Mi-ae also said, "Wherever Leader Lee was, only shadows of 'corruption,' 'gangsters,' and 'death' were present. What Leader Lee should blame is his 'past,' not the president," adding, "Leader Lee and the Democratic Party must cooperate in the 'realization of justice and common sense.' If Leader Lee is confident, he should simply appear before the prosecution and undergo the investigation with dignity."

The prosecution investigating the Seongnam FC sponsorship fund allegations notified Leader Lee the day before to appear on the 28th as a suspect for questioning. In response, Leader Lee retorted, "I want to ask if Lee Jae-myung is that scary," adding, "I have been thoroughly investigated for over ten years. They have tried for over ten years to create dust out of nothing, but it seems they still haven't succeeded."

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