Scandal to sway floor leader elections

By Jun Ji-hye

Dismissed presidential spokesman Yoon Chang-jung’s alleged sexual assault is expected to influence the ruling and opposition parties’ floor leader elections slated for May 15.

Last week’s incident has created a stir not only in Cheong Wa Dae, but in the entire political arena with growing claims of destroyed national prestige. Members of each party have raised calls for selecting a figure who can effectively control the critical situation.

The ruling Saenuri Party seemed to be more affected by the unprecedented event than the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) as the need for a figure who doesn't hesitate to be forthright with President Park Geun-hye gained momentum following the Yoon scandal.

“Members of the ruling party as well as the opposition had opposed Yoon’s appointment as spokesman for the power transition team and Cheong Wa Dae. Yoon’s improper act might have created an atmosphere in which party members want a person who can honestly advise President Park and even sometimes criticize her,” said political analyst Lee Kang-yun.

Some members added their voices to the chorus of complaints about the presidential office’s lackadaisical way of taking follow-up measures, resulting in more suspicions.

Mindful of this, Reps. Choi Kyung-hwan and Lee Ju-young, who are running in the party’s floor leader election, actively expressed their desire to speak to the president openly and honestly.

Analyst Lee said, “In my opinion, Rep. Lee, who previously served as a judge, is a very reasonable man. He could play a role more effectively between the party and the National Assembly or the opposition side. However, he comparatively lacks charisma and a bond with President Park. Following the Yoon scandal, Choi will likely get more leverage as he has been believed to be a figure who can talk openly with Park thanks to his long-time relation with her.”

For the DP, Reps. Jun Byung-hun, Kim Dong-cheol and Woo Yoon-keun are contesting for the floor leader position. Regarding Yoon’s alleged sex attack, the three have been promoting their own strategies to deal with the incident.

Jun proposed to have the steering committee at the Assembly to examine the facts, stressing the importance of national status and interest. Kim suggested a parliamentary hearing to unearth the truth, criticizing Cheong Wa Dae for evading responsibility. Woo called for both a parliamentary investigation and a hearing.

Yoon was sacked last week after police charges were filed against him for sexual assault of a Korean-American female intern in Washington during Park’s U.S. tour.