SEOUL: Suspicions surrounding Myung Tae-kyun, a self-proclaimed “political broker,” have deepened following a National Assembly audit that exposed potential political manipulation in South Korea. The revelations came as Kang Hye-kyung, a former aide to ex-lawmaker Kim Young-sun, testified about her involvement with Myung. Kang’s testimony included disclosures of sensitive phone conversations that suggested the involvement of South Korea’s first lady, Kim Keon Hee, in securing a by-election nomination for Kim Young-sun just a month after President Yoon Suk Yeol took office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang revealed that Myung attempted to secure funding for opinion polls to support then-presidential candidate Yoon but was unsuccessful. Instead, she claimed that the first lady helped Kim Young-sun obtain a nomination in the by-election. The testimony included evidence of volatile conversations between Myung and the first lady, as well as a list of 25 lawmakers allegedly involved in trading nominations for
favors within the governing People Power Party (PPP).
Myung, who is at the center of these allegations, did not testify but has been selectively leaking information to the media, sometimes admitting to fabricating stories. The accusations, if proven true, highlight potential crimes against democracy, including poll manipulation and trading nominations for financial gain.
The case has prompted demands for a thorough investigation from both the PPP and the majority Democratic Party (DP). While some DP members have called for the establishment of a special investigation headquarters, Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung stated that the district prosecutors’ office is already investigating the matter.
The prosecution’s approach, grounded in its tradition of initiating investigations through district offices, faces scrutiny. Critics accuse the prosecution of leniency towards the first lady, particularly in light of previous controversies involving her. The outcome of this investigation is anticipated to have signif
icant implications for the current administration, emphasizing the need for an unbiased and comprehensive inquiry.