Lee Jae-myung Under Pressure from Ruling Party: "Stop the Doping Tour" "Democratic Party Must Lower the Knife at Its Neck"

Jang Dong-hyeok "If Innocent, Should Appear Before Prosecution Soon"
Yang Geum-hee "Minsheng Tour, Presidential Candidate-Level Schedule for Crime Suspect"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 25th, Christmas Day, the People Power Party continued to criticize Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who received a summons from the prosecution regarding the allegations of donations to Seongnam FC. While calling Lee's livelihood activities a "doping tour," they emphasized that there is "no way to stop the flowing river" regarding whether he will accept the summons for investigation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, Jang Dong-hyeok, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, issued a statement saying, "The regular session of the National Assembly has ended, and after long negotiations, the budget has been finalized," adding, "Now, only the prosecution's summons for Lee Jae-myung remains alone."

Spokesperson Jang said, "No matter how much winter tries to block it, spring will come. There is no way to stop the flowing river," pointing out, "Everyone's hearts are drifting away."

He added, "No one can stop the prosecution summons by forcibly gathering public sentiment. If you are innocent, you should not stay in Gwangju but appear before the prosecution as soon as possible to escape this painful time."

He continued, "The National Assembly should let go of Lee Jae-myung alone and return to its original position," emphasizing, "Lee Jae-myung should put down the knife held to the neck of the Democratic Party of Korea and fight the law."

Senior spokesperson Yang Geum-hee also criticized Lee's livelihood tour as a "doping tour" in a statement that day.

Senior spokesperson Yang said, "(Lee) plans to visit Jeonnam on the 27th and has a schedule in Gwangju on the 28th, the day he received the summons, indicating he will refuse to comply with the summons," adding this criticism.

She said, "It is a schedule befitting a presidential candidate who is a criminal suspect," and "He has also announced plans to visit Yeongnam in the new year. There were reports that he would meet former President Moon Jae-in as well. It seems he wants to rely on Moon's support to mitigate his judicial risks."

She continued, "It is unfortunate for the Democratic Party because the leader avoids the summons investigation despite claiming he will face it boldly," emphasizing, "Lee should stop the 'doping tour' and respond to the prosecution's summons. That is the minimum decency expected of a leader." She added, "What is needed now is not 'Moon's heart (Munshim)' but 'conscience.'"

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