Moon demands apology from opposition presidential candidate for pledging probe into 'corruption involving anyone'
Park Soo-hyun, senior secretary for public communication, speaks to reporters at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Feb. 10. Yonhap
President Moon Jae-in demanded an apology from main opposition presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol, Thursday, for his remarks indicating the launch of an investigation into alleged corruption of the current administration if he is elected.
Moon expressed "strong resentment" over Yoon's remarks and criticized the candidate for attacking the current administration with "groundless" allegations, according to Park Soo-hyun, senior secretary for public communication.
In an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo daily earlier this week, Yoon said he will launch an investigation into the "deep-rooted evils" of the Moon Jae-in administration if he wins the March 9 presidential election.
The remarks sparked strong criticism from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the presidential office.
In July 2019, Moon appointed Yoon prosecutor general, but their relationship took a downturn when under him the prosecution launched a corruption investigation into Cho Kuk, one of the President's closest aides and his pick for justice minister.
Cho resigned shortly after his appointment, dealing a blow to the administration.
By the same token, Yoon emerged as a darling of the conservative bloc, and after quitting as head of the prosecution, he joined the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) and won its presidential nomination. (Yonhap)