Ruling Party Pushes for 'Unification Church Gate' Special Prosecutor; Opposition Accuses Them of 'Treason Purge' Diversion
Political circles are locked in a fierce battle over the introduction of a special prosecutor for the 'Unification Church Gate' and the controversy surrounding calls for a 'Treason Purge.' The opposition is intensifying its offensive, demanding a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of bribery involving the Unification Church, while the ruling party is countering that the opposition's demand for a special prosecutor is an attempt to dilute calls for a 'Treason Purge.' The Democratic Party of Korea and other opposition parties have stated that a special prosecutor is essential for a thorough investigation into the Unification Church bribery allegations. They claim that the current administration is deeply involved in the scandal, and that an objective determination of the truth is impossible with the current prosecution investigation alone. They emphasize the need for an independent special prosecutor, ensuring political neutrality, to thoroughly resolve the related allegations.
The People Power Party is strongly resisting the opposition's demand for a special prosecutor, framing it as an attempt to 'muddy the waters' surrounding the 'Treason Purge.' Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, has raised allegations of past collusion between the Democratic Party and the Unification Church, criticizing the opposition for trying to exploit the situation politically. He argues that the opposition's demand for a special prosecutor is an attempt to dilute the recent 'Treason Purge' calls and seize control of the political landscape.
Yun Young-ho, former head of the Unification Church's world headquarters, testified during a defendant interrogation that "from 2017 to 2021, we were closer to the Democratic Party than the People Power Party," causing significant repercussions. His remarks are amplifying suspicions that the Unification Church does not favor any particular party and has maintained flexible relationships depending on the political climate.
Allegations of bribery involving the Unification Church are spreading, with the names of some politicians, including Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun-woo and former presidential chief of staff Noh Young-min, being mentioned. While they are actively refuting the allegations, voices within the opposition are also growing, demanding a thorough investigation. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has instructed that related allegations be investigated thoroughly, regardless of party affiliation. He expressed his willingness to deal sternly with allegations of involvement by politicians belonging to his party, and mentioned that the party could consider its own internal investigation if necessary.
Former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-soo has resigned from his position, asserting his innocence regarding the Unification Church bribery allegations. He emphasized that he has never received any bribes and is not involved in the allegations. He stated his intention to actively cooperate with investigations by the authorities to prove his innocence.
In the National Assembly, an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, expanding the public disclosure of first and second trial verdicts, has been passed, led by the Democratic Party. This is seen as a measure to expand the public's right to know about the trial process and strengthen judicial transparency. On the other hand, the People Power Party is concerned that the amendment could weaken the protection of the rights of the accused and increase the risk of personal information leakage. The People Power Party is conducting an unlimited debate (filibuster) on the 'Banking Act Amendment' to block its passage. The People Power Party argues that the amendment would lead to excessive government intervention in the financial industry and infringe on the autonomy of banks.
Democratic Party leader Chung Chung-rae has expressed his intention to pursue a second comprehensive special prosecutor investigation. He argued that in addition to the ongoing investigation, additional allegations have been raised, and a second special prosecutor investigation is necessary to thoroughly investigate the truth. He announced his plan to begin discussions with the ruling party to pursue a second special prosecutor investigation.
The political battle over the 'Unification Church Gate' special prosecutor is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The ruling and opposition parties are continuing their strong criticism of each other, raising the possibility that the political stalemate will deepen.
