Democratic Party of Korea leader Chung Cheong-rae and floor leader Kim Byeong-gi confer during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec 22. Photo by Asia Today
Dec. 22 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s presidential office said Monday it “respects the National Assembly’s decision” after the ruling Democratic Party backed the opposition’s call for a special prosecutor to investigate matters linked to the Unification Church.
A senior presidential official said the office has consistently supported a thorough investigation regardless of party or religion and described the move as consistent with that stance.
“The presidential office has consistently advocated for a strict investigation regardless of party or religion, so a special prosecutor aligning with that stance is only natural,” the official said, adding that the party’s shift should be seen as reflecting the presidential office’s position.
Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-ki said during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly that he supports a special probe that would include politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties.
He said the People Power Party appears to believe the Democratic Party is avoiding a special investigation and urged proceeding with a special prosecutor focused on the Unification Church.
Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae also said there was no reason not to accept the proposal and called for a full accounting that includes any People Power Party figures involved.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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