The Democratic Party of Korea's chief spokesman Park Soo-hyun said Wednesday that allegations linking ruling party politicians to the Unification Church's money distribution scandal are "mere rumors" based on unverifiable sources, signaling the party would not take immediate official action.
"I don't know whether these are true," Park said during an MBC Radio interview. "The party cannot even conduct ethics investigations in this situation, so we are watching."
The comments came as allegations of cash payments from the Unification Church rapidly spread to politicians in the ruling bloc.
Park cited two reasons for the party's cautious stance. "First, the list of names is not accurate, and there are so many versions being circulated that these are mere rumors," he said. "Second, the individuals involved are denying it, so it is difficult to make judgments based on the premise that this is true."
Regarding Oceans and Fisheries Minister Jeon Jae-soo, who announced his resignation Wednesday despite denying the allegations, Park questioned the basis of the claims. "In Minister Jeon's case, specific amounts are being reported and it appears very detailed and factual, but there is no evidence anywhere," Park said. "He is firmly denying it, and the source appears completely unclear."
Park also addressed allegations involving Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, whose name reportedly emerged during special counsel investigations. "There is also nothing concrete there," he said. "So it is too early to comment on what responsibility he should take when there are only rumors and hearsay."
When asked whether there was political intent behind the series of allegations against ruling party politicians, Park declined to go that far but added, "The composition of media reports is not specific," leaving room for interpretation.
On potential party-level action, Park said, "The party is not an investigative agency." However, he added that "if more specific and identifiable evidence emerges, the party leader will immediately order a fact-finding investigation through the ethics inspection unit."
"But currently, we are not in that situation," Park said. "The party is watching this situation solemnly with all possibilities in mind. We absolutely have no intention of covering up or avoiding this issue."
