Prosecution Starts Internal Investigation into Lawmaker Jang Bok-sim

The prosecution started an internal investigation into lawmaker Jang Bok-sim, who was elected through proportional representation, for her alleged wrongdoing on Friday. The lawmaker is suspected of giving gifts during the nomination process for the 17th general election. The news is likely to create a stir in the political circle.

“Prosecutor General Song Kwang-soo ordered the Seoul District Public Prosecutors’ Office (DPPO) to review the case,” announced Chung Dong-min at the Supreme Public Prosecutors’ Office.

Accordingly, the Seoul DPPO started investigating the alleged charge.

“We are reviewing the related news and information about the suspicion. Currently we are looking at the legality of alleged charges, not the specific cases of promotion funds or special party expenses,” said the prosecution.

Upon finishing the internal investigation, the prosecutors will summon Lawmaker Jang if the occasion demands to find out whether she actually gave gifts to the screening committee of the Uri Party.

The Uri Party decided to organize a fact-finding team, which will be led by lawmakers Choe Yong-gyu and Jo Bae-suk, to look into the case.

“The fact-finding team will take appropriate measures after thoroughly and openly examining the case,” said Kim Hyeon-mi, a spokesperson for the Uri Party. “The team will also investigate people related to the lawmaker, and the media reports.”

Han Seon-gyo, a spokesperson for the Grand National Party (GNP), criticized, “The suspicion surrounding Jang Bok-sim seems to show the Uri Party’s empty promises for political reform. The truth has to be revealed in full.”

GNP General Secretary Kim Hyeong-oh said, “Lawmaker Jang offered gifts to the members of the screening committee for proportional representation. This fact alone is enough to have doubts about her. It is definitely against the election laws to send out yellow jumpers during the election period.”