Democratic Party Lawmakers "Apologize for Money Envelope Allegations... Song Young-gil Must Return to Clarify Suspicions"

Members of the Democratic Party of Korea urged former leader Song Young-gil to return to the country on the 20th in relation to the money envelope allegations at the party convention. Democratic Party members also apologized for the recent allegations.

Park Hong-geun, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at a meeting with reporters after the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the same day, "The members who attended the meeting agreed that the recent allegations related to the party convention have caused great disappointment to our citizens and party members who desire political reform. Although the party leadership has already apologized, the members also sincerely bowed their heads and apologized to the public."

There was also a stance urging former leader Song, who is currently staying in France and is the central figure in the allegations, to return to the country. He said, "We agreed that former leader Song should immediately return and clearly reveal the truth of the allegations in detail," adding, "We agreed that this is a basic duty to the people and the party as a responsible member of the party."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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He continued, "We expect former leader Song, who is in France, to fully consider the intentions of these members and take a stance or action accordingly in the future." Park said there was no mention of disciplinary actions such as withdrawal or expulsion against former leader Song on that day.

At the Democratic Party meeting, it was decided as the party's official stance to designate the special investigation bill related to the 5 billion won club and First Lady Kim Keon-hee as a fast-track agenda. Additionally, regarding the Nursing Act and Medical Act, which were postponed at the last plenary session, Park introduced, "We agreed to process them as originally planned at the plenary session on the 27th."

Earlier, on the 17th, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, apologized on behalf of the party leadership at the Supreme Council meeting regarding the money envelope allegations at the party convention. Lee said, "There have been unfortunate reports related to the last party convention. Although the full details of the matter have not yet been revealed, considering the current situation, we judged that the party needs to make a statement. I would like to say that the Democratic Party takes this matter seriously, and as the party leader, I deeply apologize for causing concern to the public because of this incident."

It is known that Leader Lee directly contacted former leader Song to urge his return.

Former leader Song has not disclosed his position on returning but has stated that he will hold a press briefing for correspondents on the 22nd to clarify his stance.

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