Yeo "Is Lee Jae-myung Making a Grand Entrance... Democratic Party, Merely a Figurehead for the Party Leader" Fierce Criticism

Party Leadership Mobilizes for Lee Jae-myung's Prosecutor Appearance
"Openly Showing the Party Will Play a Supporting Role to the Party Leader"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] On the morning of the 10th, the People Power Party launched a relentless offensive, mocking Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and the party leadership who appeared at the prosecution over the 'Seongnam FC allegations' with remarks such as "Are you parading as a triumphant general?" and "The party leadership is acting as bodyguards."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 10th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, at the party's floor countermeasure meeting held at the National Assembly that day, said, "This is related to issues personally committed by Representative Lee Jae-myung during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam, so I don't understand why the Democratic Party is mobilizing all forces to block and campaign," adding, "It is not something that the ruling opposition party can block or stop with its power and influence; this is a legal matter, and it is not appropriate for the majority to campaign to obstruct it." Floor leader Joo emphasized, "Judicial matters should be viewed solely as judicial issues, not as matters of faction or numbers," and said, "Although he appeared late today, I hope the prosecution will uncover the truth and clarify the facts."

Policy Committee Chairman Kim Seok-ki said at the meeting, "It would be enough for him to quietly undergo the investigation, but bringing a large number of supporters and parading like a triumphant general is no different from trying to intimidate the prosecution," adding, "What is even more outrageous is that the Democratic Party leadership and affiliated local governments are joining this and are even planning a press conference." He added, "This is an open declaration that the party will become a personal entourage for the party leader."

On the same day, Lee appeared at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch as a suspect in connection with the Seongnam FC sponsorship fund allegations. The Democratic Party leadership and some lawmakers accompanied him, and rallies by Lee's supporters and conservative civic groups were also held.

Yoon Sang-hyun, a People Power Party presidential candidate, said at the rally held in front of the Seongnam Branch, "Who would bring the party leadership and hardline supporters as bodyguards when going for a prosecution investigation?" calling it "a truly bizarre and absurd scene." He emphasized, "The national desire is for a thorough investigation, and if there is a crime, it must be clearly revealed," adding, "I hope that today's prosecution investigation of Representative Lee Jae-myung will be thorough so that Korea becomes a country where justice prevails."

Earlier, the Democratic Party had unilaterally convened an extraordinary session from the previous day, citing the need to handle livelihood bills and urgent questions related to North Korea's drone provocations, but the People Power Party opposed it, calling it a 'No Woong-rae and Lee Jae-myung shield session.'

Amid the ongoing confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties in the new year, the processing of bills that expired last year remains sluggish. After the meeting, Floor Leader Joo told reporters, "There has been no narrowing of differences regarding sunset laws," adding, "There is severe confusion on the ground regarding the sunset of the extended working hours system, and there is a demand for prompt extension; we are also continuously requesting this."

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