Opposition lawmakers: Daejang-dong scandal fabricated by conservative media, political prosecutors; vow special probe

The Hankyoreh, a progressive South Korean daily, reports on the strong accusations leveled by opposition lawmakers against the prosecution and conservative media regarding the Daejang-dong development scandal. These lawmakers, affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Jo Guk Innovation Party, and the Progressive Party, held a press conference to assert that the investigation was a politically motivated setup aimed at implicating former Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung.

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The Daejang-dong case was clearly a fabrication by conservative media and political prosecutors.

Central to their argument are testimonies from a parliamentary hearing where a lawyer involved in the case recounted alleged intimidation tactics by prosecutors. The lawmakers interpret these accounts as evidence of a predetermined conclusion, where prosecutors sought to force confessions and tailor evidence to fit a narrative, particularly targeting Lee Jae-myung, who was a presidential candidate at the time. The article highlights the prosecution's denial of some of these claims, adding a layer of contention.

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We will definitely hold them accountable through a special prosecutor.

The opposition's stance, as reported by The Hankyoreh, is that the investigation, particularly the second phase led by a team associated with then-Prosecutor General Yoon Suk-yeol, deliberately distorted the facts. They claim this team manipulated the findings to include Lee Jae-myung and another former official as accomplices and exaggerated the scope of alleged embezzlement, thereby misleading public opinion. The party's intention to pursue a special prosecutor is presented as a move to uncover the truth behind these alleged "manipulated investigations and indictments."

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Our goal is one. Think carefully after going down.

From a South Korean perspective, this story is deeply intertwined with the ongoing political power struggles and historical grievances concerning prosecutorial overreach. Unlike Western media, which might focus on the legal and political ramifications in a more detached manner, South Korean reporting often reflects the intense partisan divisions. The Hankyoreh, known for its critical stance on conservative governments and powerful institutions, frames this as a fight for justice against a politically weaponized prosecution. The emphasis on the alleged targeting of Lee Jae-myung, a prominent opposition figure, underscores the national political significance of these accusations.

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We presented the family photo for humanitarian and ethical reasons to provide psychological stability.