Allegations of Money Envelope Transfer, Song Young-gil Says "I Will Leave the Democratic Party... Please Summon Me Immediately Upon Returning from Abroad" (Comprehensive)

Scheduled to Return Home at 3 PM on the 24th

Former Democratic Party of Korea leader Song Young-gil declared on the 22nd that he would leave the party, taking full responsibility for the money envelope allegations related to the party convention. Song plans to arrive in Korea on the afternoon of the 24th.

At a press conference held in Paris, France, Song said, "I sincerely apologize to the public and party members for the money envelope allegations that occurred two years ago during the party convention," adding, "I will take full responsibility and respond accordingly."

Regarding the money envelope incident, he stated, "This issue occurred within the Song Young-gil camp during the party convention two years ago, and it is entirely my responsibility," emphasizing, "Regardless of the legal facts, all responsibility lies with me."

While acknowledging political responsibility, Song maintained that he was unaware of the money envelope delivery at the time. He expressed willingness to accept political responsibility but intends to contest the legal and factual aspects with the prosecution. During a Q&A session with reporters, he said, "During the controversial period, as a candidate for party leader, I was running around frantically every 30 minutes, so it was difficult for a candidate to manage every detail of the camp's affairs." When asked if he recalled receiving reports from lawmakers Yoon Kwan-seok or Lee Sung-man, he answered, "No." Regarding former Korea Water Resources Corporation auditor Kang Rae-gu, whose arrest warrant was requested but dismissed by the prosecution, Song claimed, "He gave up running in the last general election and became an auditor at the Water Resources Corporation, so he was not in a position or status to participate in the camp."

Former leader of the Democratic Party Song Young-gil met with Korean correspondents at an office in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris on the 22nd (local time) to express his position regarding the 2021 party convention cash envelope allegations.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Song, who is currently neither an active lawmaker nor holds any party position or regional committee chairmanship, said, "I have considered how I can take political responsibility under these circumstances," and declared, "I will take full political responsibility and leave the Democratic Party. As a citizen who is not even a party member, I will face the prosecution's investigation with dignity." He also added his intention to "resolve all issues and make a comeback."

He referred to his previous experience demanding the resignation of 12 lawmakers suspected of real estate-related issues during his tenure as party leader, saying, "The same principle applies to me."

Song also expressed hope that the Democratic Party would move forward and overcome the party convention controversy. He said, "The Democratic Party is not just a political party but a bastion protecting the livelihood and peace of the Republic of Korea," adding, "I hope the Democratic Party, taking my departure as an opportunity, will respond proactively and confidently to all situations instead of passively, and develop into a beacon of hope for the people." He hoped his departure would help the party escape the quagmire of the party convention controversy.

Toward the end of the press conference, he announced his immediate return schedule. Song said, "I will depart tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. on an Asiana Airlines flight and arrive at Incheon International Airport at 3 p.m. on the 24th," adding, "Upon arrival, I will assess the situation and respond confidently." He also requested, "When I return, I ask the prosecution not to harass those who worked with me but to summon me immediately," and pledged, "I will actively cooperate with the prosecution's investigation."

Regarding the controversial issues raised during the press conference, Song refrained from giving direct answers and said he would explain after returning to Korea. He stated, "If I engage in detailed debates on all matters here, it will cause controversy, so I will explain after returning," and added, "I will have an opportunity to speak again to the media and the public about the legal aspects related to this case after I return."

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