The prosecution requested nine years in prison for former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, who was indicted on suspicion of receiving money from the Democratic Party of Korea’s national convention. The first trial verdict will be handed down on January 8th next year.
At the decision trial for former CEO Song held on the 6th at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Agreement Division 21 (Chief Judge Heo Kyung-moo), the prosecution said, “The defendant was the biggest beneficiary and final decision-maker of this case, so he must bear the greatest criminal responsibility.” “Please be sentenced to 6 years in prison for violating the Political Funds Act and bribery charges, and 3 years in prison for violating the Political Parties Act,” he requested. Former Representative Song was arrested and indicted on charges of being involved in distributing a total of 66.5 million won, including 20 envelopes of 3 million won, to active lawmakers ahead of the Democratic Party leadership primary in May 2021. In his final statement, former CEO Song completely denied the charges, saying, “If you look at the previous rulings or court statements of the people involved, you can see that there was no prior consultation or instruction,” and that it was “a targeted investigation by the prosecution and a hunting-and-hunting investigation.”
The 2nd Anti-Corruption Investigation Department of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office (Chief Prosecutor Choi Jae-hoon), which is investigating this case, indicted without detention six lawmakers who were suspected of ‘first bribery’ but failed to respond to the investigation, and one lawmaker suspected of ‘second bribery’. It is reported that the investigation into 10 people will begin in earnest.
Reporter Kim Tae-eon [email protected]
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Lee Sung-min, a political analyst and expert in South Korean politics. With the recent developments surrounding the trial of former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, we have a lot to discuss. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time in South Korean politics, and I’m eager to delve into these issues.
Editor: Let’s start with the current situation. The prosecution has requested a nine-year prison sentence for Song Young-gil. What are the implications of this demand on the political landscape?
Dr. Lee: This is significant. A nine-year sentence would not only affect Song personally but also the Democratic Party’s reputation as a whole. If he is convicted, it will exacerbate the party’s internal struggles and could lead to a loss of public trust. It might also shift the balance of power within the party, as factions vie for leadership amidst the ongoing crisis.
Editor: Speaking of trust, Song has denied the allegations, claiming a targeted investigation by the prosecution. How do you assess his defense?
Dr. Lee: His denial is typical in such high-profile cases. The claim of being targeted can resonate with his supporters, portraying him as a victim of political machinations. However, without concrete evidence to back his assertions, it may come across as an attempt to deflect accountability. The public perception will largely depend on whether any supporting documentation emerges that could either validate or undermine his claims.
Editor: The prosecution labeled him as “the biggest beneficiary and final decision-maker” of this case. How does this characterization impact the legal proceedings?
Dr. Lee: These words carry considerable weight in court. If the prosecution can successfully frame their arguments around this characterization, it shapes the narrative that hopefully sways the court in their favor. It’s crucial for them to establish a clear link between Song’s actions and the alleged wrongdoing he’s being tried for.
Editor: There are also reports of six lawmakers being indicted as part of this investigation. What does this tell us about the broader implications of this case?
Dr. Lee: This indicates that this issue isn’t isolated with Song Young-gil. It’s a broader theatrical saga that reflects systemic problems within political financing in South Korea. It suggests that corrupt practices may be entrenched within multiple levels of the Democratic Party, which could lead to further investigations and more scandal revelations.
Editor: The first verdict is expected on January 8th. What should we watch for in the lead-up to that date?
Dr. Lee: I would pay close attention to public sentiment and any emerging evidence from ongoing investigations. The political climate can shift dramatically based on new revelations or public statements from key figures. Additionally, how the Democratic Party adjusts its strategy in response to this ongoing crisis will be crucial, whether it distances itself from Song or rallies to his defense.
Editor: That’s insightful! Do you predict any long-term changes for South Korea’s political landscape stemming from this incident?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. Regardless of the trial’s outcome, this situation raises important questions about transparency and the ethics of political funding in South Korea. It could catalyze reforms aimed at increasing accountability within political parties. If the public becomes more engaged and demanding of ethical standards, we might see significant changes in both policy and governance moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your valuable insights. It sounds like we are indeed at a pivotal moment in South Korean politics.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s a landscape that will be interesting to watch in the coming months!