Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said Wednesday that "corrupt politicians who received money from the Unification Church should all be punished and ousted regardless of their political affiliation."
Han made the remarks during a briefing at a protest held at the National Assembly calling for amendments to the Military Personnel Disaster Compensation Act.
Regarding acting President Lee Jae-myung's recent comments about "dissolving illegal religious organizations," Han said, "He is saying this when it has emerged that his own side received money." He added, "It sounds like he is saying 'Don't reveal at tomorrow's trial that money was given to the Democratic Party, or you'll be killed if you do.'"
On the recent calls by People Power Party lawmakers from the Yeongnam region to distance the party from former President Yoon Suk-yeol, Han said, "I am truly sorry that our party failed to prevent the martial law declaration. I apologize again."
He continued, "At this point, a greater sin than failing to prevent martial law is our failure to overcome it and reflect on it, which has allowed us to not stop the Democratic Party's tyranny." Han emphasized that "this is a time when everyone must renew their resolve and move toward the future."
Han also joined Kim Han-na, the wife of the late Master Sergeant Han Sang-kuk, a hero of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, at her protest in front of the National Assembly to call for passage of amendments to the Military Personnel Disaster Compensation Act.
"Veterans of the First Battle of Yeonpyeong are not being recognized for post-traumatic stress disorder," Han said. "Tomorrow is the final deadline for reapplication for national merit recognition."
He pointed out that "people think recognizing PTSD and granting national merit status means giving hundreds of millions of won, but the amount is not that large."
Han urged, "Shouldn't soldiers who fought in the First Battle of Yeonpyeong receive compensation and honor even if they were not physically injured? We must treat our soldiers properly."
