Han Hak-ja, the second leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (Unification Church). [Photo=Yonhap News]

Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, announced the suspension of his 8-day hunger strike on the 22nd, persuaded by former President Park Geun-hye.

However, the Democratic Party left a sense of disappointment by remaining consistently unresponsive despite Representative Jang's life-risking demand for a dual special prosecutor (Unification Church and Democratic Party nomination bribery special prosecutor).

The public is voicing their opinions through social media, but their voices are divided based on their political alignment, left or right.

In response, Pen & Microphone commissioned a survey to the polling firm Korea Research & Poll, which was conducted on the 18th and 19th among 802 men and women aged 18 and above residing in Seoul.

65.3% Believe Special Prosecutor Needed for Nomination Fee Allegations

In this survey, conducted via wireless ARS, 65.3% responded that "a special prosecutor is needed" regarding the allegations of receiving nomination fees in the 2022 local elections related to lawmakers Kim Byung-ki and Kang Seon-woo. The response "not needed" was 23.8%, and "don't know" was 10.9%.

Regarding the allegations of receiving nomination fees in the 2022 local elections related to lawmakers Kang Seon-woo (left) and Kim Byung-ki, 65.3% responded that "a special prosecutor is needed." [Photo=Yonhap News]

This public opinion was not limited to any specific region or gender, but the approval rate was relatively lower among those in their 20s and younger at 59.0%, and the demand for a special prosecutor tended to strengthen with age, increasing to 67.8% for those in their 50s and 75.3% for those in their 60s.

Based on party support, the 'need for a special prosecutor' was △Democratic Party supporters (45.9%) △People Power Party supporters (82.5%) △New Reform Party (82.6%) △Unaffiliated (70.2%), showing an overwhelming demand for a special prosecutor.

80.7% Believe Special Prosecutor Needed for Unification Church Gate

The response that a special prosecutor is needed for the Unification Church Gate reached 80.7% overall, indicating a consensus on this issue regardless of political party support tendencies.

Even among Democratic Party supporters, 82.5% answered that a special prosecutor is needed, surpassing the People Power Party supporters (78.3%).

Supporters of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party (83.1%) and the New Reform Party (82.4%) also overwhelmingly responded with 'needed'.

Considering that 70-80% across all age groups and demographics support the introduction of a special prosecutor, it can be seen that the Unification Church Gate has moved beyond simple political contention to gain nationwide consensus.

A People Power Party supporter stated, "The results of this opinion poll prove that Representative Jang Dong-hyuk's hunger strike was not in 'vain'."

Reporter Lim Yo-hee