The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) criticized People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyeok's characterization of the opposition's proposal for a special prosecutor to investigate the Unification Church as an act of "muddying the waters," calling it a political attack.
Park Soo-hyun, the DPK's senior spokesperson, said in a written briefing on the 28th that "Jang is once again deceiving the public with sophistry and agitation," adding that he was "appalled by the shamelessness of the People Power Party, which is distorting the facts to make it appear as though the Democratic Party opposes a special prosecutor while engaging in political attacks."
Park went on to say that "the Unification Church special prosecutor can be approved immediately if the ruling and opposition parties engage in sincere consultations," adding that "the ruling party's attempt to label the proposal as 'muddying the waters' itself demonstrates a lack of sincerity toward a special prosecutor."
He also said, "Shouldn't we take this opportunity to root out collusion between religion and politics?" and argued that the special prosecutor should investigate allegations involving Shincheonji, including suspicions of illicit exchanges of money and valuables as well as organized interference in elections.
Kim Hyun-jung, the DPK's floor spokesperson, echoed the criticism in a separate briefing, saying that "under the People Power Party's special prosecutor bill as well, the president makes the final appointment after the head of the National Court Administration recommends two candidates." He asked, "On what grounds can they conclude that only the Democratic Party's bill falls under the influence of the administration?"
Kim added, "In the end, it only appears that they are finding fault because they do not want to proceed with a special prosecutor. Is the People Power Party afraid now that it actually has to carry out a Unification Church investigation?" and said, "They should stop nitpicking and move forward with the special prosecutor."