Seoul, Feb 4 (NationPress) The leader of South Korean Opposition, Jang Dong-hyeok, has urged for the initiation of independent special counsel investigations into the alleged connections between the Unification Church and lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party (DP), along with bribery claims tied to the DP nominations.

During a speech at the National Assembly, Jang, representing the main opposition People Power Party, also insisted on a thorough investigation regarding the prosecution's controversial choice last November to forgo an appeal in a land development corruption case that involves President Lee Jae Myung.

Jang's remarks came as the DP is advocating for a wide-ranging special counsel inquiry that could consolidate three distinct probes into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful martial law attempt in December 2024, allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee, and the death of a young Marine.

"There are numerous instances where special counsel investigations are genuinely necessary," Jang stated during his address as the head of a parliamentary negotiation group, pushing for three distinct probes targeting the DP and the Lee administration.

He accused President Lee and the DP of attempting to undermine liberal democracy and destabilize the judiciary system.

According to Jang, the recent three special counsel probes concluded with a whimper after extensive investigations into opposition lawmakers, claiming that the DP is seeking another round of investigations for political advantage ahead of the local elections in June.

Legally, a special counsel investigation is initiated by the passage of a bill in the National Assembly, followed by the president appointing a special prosecutor from candidates recommended by political parties or third parties, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.

Last month, Jang conducted an eight-day hunger strike to compel the DP to agree to independent counsel investigations regarding allegations that certain DP lawmakers received political donations from the Unification Church and were involved in bribery related to nominations.

In his address, Jang also expressed concerns about inflationary pressures, the depreciating local currency, skyrocketing housing costs in the Seoul metropolitan region, and increasing trade pressures from the United States. He proposed a one-on-one meeting with President Lee to address these pressing issues.

"Let’s put aside political disagreements, recognize the economic challenges and the impact on people's livelihoods, and collaboratively seek solutions," Jang remarked.

Although Lee had invited Jang to a meeting with representatives from both ruling and opposition parties last month, Jang declined, instead advocating for separate discussions.