The People Power Party criticized the Special Investigation (special prosecutor) for searching the offices of lawmakers Kweon Seong-dong and Lee Cheol-kyu in relation to the investigation of Kim Keon-hee and a deceased Marine, stating that "the investigative agencies and the judiciary are irresponsibly issuing warrants." They emphasized that the Special Investigation, composed of pro-Democratic Party figures, is politically oppressing the opposition party.
Song Eon-seok, chairperson and floor leader of the People Power Party, visited the speaker's office at the National Assembly immediately after the search and seizure by the Special Investigation on the 18th to protest the search within the assembly premises. Commissioners of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee affiliated with the People Power Party were also present.
After meeting with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, Chairperson Song told reporters, "The search and seizure of the offices and residences of lawmakers Kweon Seong-dong and Lee Cheol-kyu has happened again," adding, "In the case of Kweon, it is reported that a speech he made at an event has become an issue. It has led to the irresponsible issuance of a warrant for the search of both the office and residence due to a single remark made during that speech."
He continued, "It was said that this lawmaker would also be investigated as a witness, yet searches are being conducted in the office, regional office, and residence," and stated, "I conveyed to the speaker the request that the investigative agencies and judiciary, which are irresponsibly requesting and issuing warrants, need to be cautious and exercise restraint."
Chairperson Song also mentioned that Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Shin Young-dae was subjected to a search and seizure last June over allegations regarding corruption in solar power in Saemangeum. He pointed out that at that time, the National Assembly Speaker remarked, "Search and seizure within the assembly premises should be done cautiously. If possible, it is more appropriate to submit necessary materials voluntarily rather than conducting searches," adding, "The same standard should apply to the public message issued. "
Kweon Seong-dong, a lawmaker involved in the search and seizure, stated upon entering the National Assembly office building that he knows "absolutely nothing" about the alleged bribery involving the so-called 'Geonjin Law' or the Unification Church and has not been involved, asserting that the search of not only his office but also his residence by the Special Investigation is a typical abuse of power.
He emphasized, "All members of the Special Investigation are pro-Democratic Party figures. When a warrant is issued by the court, there needs to be a certain amount of evidence; however, it is problematic that warrants are indiscriminately issued without any supporting documents. I will deal with this actively. I am innocent and clean."
The Special Investigation regarding Kim Keon-hee has initiated a search in connection with Kweon attending a speech at the 'Korea Dreamer Festival, Youth Neuron 2024' event held on June 22 last year by former head of the Unification Church's global mission, Yoon Mo, at Sejong University in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Furthermore, it was also raised that in January 2023, Yoon and Jeon Seong-bae of the 'Geonjin Law' tried to make Kweon the head of the party by massively recruiting members of the Unification Church before the People Power Party's national convention.
The Special Investigation regarding the deceased Marine is known to be conducting searches in connection with the allegations of a 'lobby for life-saving' regarding former Marine Corps Brigade Commander Lim Seong-geun. Former Brigade Commander Lim is under suspicion for having ordered an unreasonable search that resulted in the death of Corporal Chae during the incident in 2023.