Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok of the main opposition People Power Party called on Wednesday for separate special counsel probes into the Unification Church's alleged ties with ruling Democratic Party lawmakers and bribery linked to party nominations. He also demanded an independent investigation into the prosecution's controversial decision last November not to appeal a land development corruption case involving President Lee Jae-myung. The move comes amid the Democratic Party's push for a comprehensive special counsel investigation.
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in a speech at the National Assembly in Seoul, Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, demanded the launch of three separate special counsel investigations. These target the Unification Church's alleged ties with Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers, bribery in DPK nominations, and the prosecution's decision last November not to appeal a land development corruption case linked to President Lee Jae-myung.
Jang's call arises as the DPK pushes for a single comprehensive special counsel probe combining investigations into former President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed martial law declaration in December 2024, allegations against former first lady Kim Keon-hee, and the death of a young Marine. "There are other areas where special counsel probes are truly needed," Jang stated, accusing President Lee and the DPK of "focusing on undermining liberal democracy and tearing down the judiciary system."
He criticized three recent special counsel probes into opposition lawmakers as having "fizzled out" after months of investigation, claiming the DPK seeks a second round for political gains ahead of the June local elections. By law, such probes require National Assembly passage of a bill, followed by presidential appointment of a prosecutor from party or third-party recommendations.
Last month, Jang undertook an eight-day hunger strike to press for independent probes into DPK lawmakers' alleged receipt of political funds from the Unification Church and nomination-related bribery. In his address, he also highlighted economic woes including inflation, a weak won, soaring housing prices in the Seoul area, and U.S. trade pressures, proposing a one-on-one meeting with President Lee. "Let's set aside political disputes, acknowledge the hardships facing the economy and people's livelihoods, and discuss solutions together," Jang said. Lee had invited him to a multi-party meeting last month, but Jang declined, insisting on bilateral talks.
