Jang: “We need to unite on significant national issues”
Lee: “The ruling party is conducting special probes only on deceased powers”
Jang urged Cho Kuk to participate and play the opposition’s role
Jang Dong-hyuk, the representative of the People Power Party, and Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform New Party, have moved forward with forming a coalition for special investigations. They have agreed to cooperate on introducing a special investigation to uncover the truths behind nomination bribery allegations involving Democratic Party members Kim Byung-ki and Kang Seon-woo, cash from the Unification Church to Democratic Party member Jeon Jae-soo, and decisions regarding the Daejang-dong case appeal.
During the meeting on the morning of the 13th in the National Assembly, Jang and Lee emphasized, “We must achieve special investigations into the Daejang-dong appeal cancellation, Unification Church involvement, and nomination bribery.” This meeting was initiated by Lee’s suggestion for a tri-party discussion on introducing a special investigation, which Jang accepted unconditionally.
In his public statements, Lee stressed, “Despite our differences, we need to unite in the face of significant national issues.” He called for cooperation on the ‘Daejang-dong case appeal inquiry special investigation’, the ‘Kim Byung-ki and Kang Seon-woo probe’, and a ‘third-party recommended Unification Church investigation.’
Jang also remarked, “All evidence points to powerful figures, yet the Democratic Party remains focused solely on probing deceased powers, dismissing special probes on the living ones.” He expressed a resolute stance on achieving these special investigations.
Both leaders dedicated much of their statements to urging Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, to join their efforts. Cho had previously rejected Lee’s proposition for a multi-party meeting, criticizing it as inappropriate and suggesting the People Power Party as an entity to be reformed rather than a reforming agent.
In response, Lee said, “I proposed to the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, thinking they were different from other satellite parties of the Democratic Party. If things go unchanged, Cho Kuk Innovation Party will simply become subordinate to the Democratic Party.”
Jang expressed regret for Cho’s absence, suggesting that the failure of the opposition to fulfill its role would be a betrayal of public trust. He underscored the importance of the opposition’s role in providing checks on the ruling party.
Following the meeting, the People Power Party and the Reform New Party decided to initially join forces in their response to the allegations against Democratic Party member Kim Byung-ki. Choi Bo-yun, the chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, announced plans for forceful measures including joint special investigation legislation if the current investigation proves lacking.
When asked about potential actions such as a hunger strike if the Democratic Party rejects these investigations, he indicated that discussions had occurred but plans would be disclosed at the appropriate time. Regarding a possible election alliance for the upcoming local elections, he stated that the current focus was on immediate issues.
Jang later posted on Facebook, reaffirming their commitment to pursuing the investigations and unveiling the truth behind dropped appeals regarding the Daejang-dong case. He criticized the Democratic Party for ignoring current power holders and focusing on deceased ones, emphasizing the need for unity among opposition parties to reveal hidden truths.