Floor Leader Song Un-seok speaking at a press conference. Yonhap News

The conservative opposition is continuing to escalate its offensive, pressing for the introduction of a special prosecutor on the 12th regarding suspicions of support for the Democratic Party of Korea from the Unification Church.

The People Power Party has dubbed the situation the "Unification Church Gate" and proposed including it in the second special prosecution that the Democratic Party is advocating for. Simultaneously, they have expanded the front by demanding the dismissal of Unification Minister Chung Dong-young and National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok, who are implicated in the allegations.

The Reform Party is maintaining a joint offensive by arguing for a special prosecutor recommended by a third party, given that both the ruling and opposition parties are involved in the matter, while emphasizing their own lack of involvement in the allegations.

Floor Leader Song Un-seok held a press conference at the National Assembly on this day and stated, "The Unification Church Gate, closely linked to the administration, is increasingly revealing itself. Anyone who received financial support from the Unification Church must be investigated without exception."

He added, "In addition to Minister Jeon Jae-soo, Minister Chung Dong-young, NIS Director Lee Jong-seok, and former Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Jong-seong are being pointed to as individuals supported by the Unification Church. President Lee Jae-myung should immediately dismiss Minister Chung and Director Lee, whom he appointed."

He continued, "Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki has effectively abandoned his duty by covering up the case for nearly four months, and the statute of limitations for the Political Funds Act is rapidly approaching. Investigative agencies must promptly launch their investigation, conduct searches and seizures, and summon and question relevant individuals."

Furthermore, he proposed an alternative: "Separately from the police investigation, the National Assembly must immediately prepare to introduce a special prosecutor for the Unification Church Gate. As Representative Chung Jin-suk has announced the launch of a second special prosecution or a comprehensive special prosecution, it would be an excellent alternative if a special prosecution is conducted to include the dereliction of duty by Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki, as well as the collusion between the Democratic Party and the Unification Church."

Regarding reports that the Unification Church contacted approximately 130 politicians from both ruling and opposition parties since 2017, he said, "I don't know how that number was derived, but if such testimony existed, then not only our party's membership roster should have been searched and seized, but the Democratic Party's membership roster should also have been searched and seized. I have no idea what kind of distraction this number is intended to serve."

Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok also urged the introduction of a special prosecutor by posting on Facebook on this day, following his post the previous day.

Leader Lee wrote, "Yesterday, I proposed a special prosecution for the Unification Church and the Democratic Party's political funds, but it seems the scope of investigation needs to be widened after just one day. Evidence has emerged that the Democratic Party attempted to recruit NBA star Stephen Curry through the Unification Church during the 2022 presidential election."

He added, "At the time, President Lee met with various domestic and international dignitaries during the presidential campaign. Now, we must examine whether the costs for these individuals were also covered and if they were recruited by someone else. This part will also be specified in the scope of investigation for the special prosecution bill."