Parties clash over ruling party lawmakers’ alleged misconduct

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Thursday was baffled by an escalating controversy over alleged misconduct by two of its members, with opposition parties strongly calling for prosecution investigations into the allegations.

Earlier reports suggested Rep. Seo Young-kyo of the ruling party allegedly called a judge into her office in 2015 and asked to have the level of punishment reduced for a son of her acquaintance, who was then undergoing a trial on charges of attempted sexual abuse.

Rep. Sohn Hye-won of the party is suspected of having mobilized her relatives and aides for alleged speculative investment in real estate properties in Mokpo, some 410 southwest of Seoul, which were later designated as cultural asset sites.

Both lawmakers have denied the allegations, but criticism from opposition parties is continuing to rise.

The DPK kicked off its own inspections into the two cases Wednesday but has yet to reach a decision on how to handle them.

“The party’s secretariat is doing a fact-checking job and is investigating the cases,” DPK Floor Leader Hong Young-pyo said at a meeting with party members.

“We are seeking to wrap up the (probe) this week,” he added.

The two lawmakers are facing increasingly negative public sentiment despite their denial, with some DP officials claiming that they should step down from their posts at the party and parliamentary panels.