Sangmin Lee: "Opinions Divided on Lee Jae-myung's Prosecution Appearance... A Problem He Must Handle Alone"

Prosecutors Notify Lee Jae-myung to Appear on the 27th

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Lee Sang-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, argued that Representative Lee Jae-myung should comply with the prosecution's additional summons request.

On the morning of the 18th, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and referred to the party meeting held the previous day regarding Lee Jae-myung's attendance, saying, "Opinions were divided. There was a strong backlash that the prosecution's investigation attitude and situation are tightening the noose around the Democratic Party, so many believed he should not attend."

When asked, "Which opinion was more prevalent?" he explained, "Since a full survey was not conducted, it is difficult to say which opinion was dominant," adding, "It is also a difficult and worrisome situation because the attendance cannot be postponed indefinitely."

Nevertheless, Lee expressed the opinion that Representative Lee should appear before the prosecution. He said, "When the person under investigation is directly questioned in front of the investigative agency, it is partly because the agency is trying to find evidence and charges, but it is also an opportunity for the person under investigation to defend and explain themselves."

He continued, "Rather, to prove innocence, one must confidently respond to the prosecution's judicial attacks and thoroughly counter them, whether through evidence or legal arguments," adding, "There is no need to forgo the opportunity to defend and explain oneself."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is appearing at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 10th to undergo investigation related to the 'Seongnam FC Sponsorship Fund Allegation' case. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Regarding the Democratic Party leadership accompanying Representative Lee during his prosecution appearance on the 10th, he said, "I understand their feelings," but added, "It did not really help Lee during the investigation and may have been unfavorable in terms of public opinion." He further pointed out, "When Representative Lee undergoes future prosecution investigations, it would be better not to bring other lawmakers along. This is not an issue the party can politically respond to collectively; it is a personal matter of honor that Lee must handle himself."

Lee also criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol for his remark that "the enemy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Iran." Lee said, "This is not the first time, and whenever President Yoon travels abroad, incidents occur, making the public anxious. Now, he has touched on a very sensitive international issue, raising concerns about diplomatic repercussions."

He added, "I wonder why he felt the need to say that. The UAE and Iran have a tense relationship, and Iran is involved in very complex international issues, including deteriorating relations with the West, so it is not a trivial matter."

He said, "(If the remark was prepared), it reveals that the aides of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration are in complete disarray, which I do not want to imagine. If they advised the president without considering international relations or issues and only reflected a general stance, it would be shocking."

He advised, "It is necessary to clearly admit the verbal mistake and apologize, and before overseas trips, thoroughly study and prepare from multiple angles with aides to act with caution and only make prepared statements."

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