Song Young-gil Returns, But Insists He Knows Nothing About the Allegations

Between Support and Criticism: Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party, who allegedly handed out cash envelopes at the time of the Democratic Party’s convention, arrives at passenger Terminal 1 at Incheon Airport on April 24. Yeongjong-do, Lee Joon-heon

Song Young-gil, former Democratic Party of Korea leader and key figure in the alleged cash envelopes that were distributed at the time of the party convention in 2021, arrived in South Korea on April 24. He said, “Since it all happened because of me, I will be responsible and lead efforts to resolve the problem.” He also said he would actively respond if the prosecutors called him in for questioning even that very day. However, he denied the allegation claiming he was not aware of much of the situation and said he would find out what happened.

Song, who was in Paris, France, shared his position when he met with reporters after arriving in Incheon International Airport Monday afternoon. He had held a press conference in Paris and announced his intention to voluntarily leave the party and return to Korea on April 22 (local time). Prosecutors believe Song’s close acquaintances handed out envelopes of cash to dozens of people including incumbent lawmakers at the party convention in 2021, when he was elected party leader. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Legislator Kim Young-jin, who was the Democratic Party’s secretary-general when Song oversaw the campaign for the twentieth presidential election in 2021, and Song’s aides who worked with him when he was a lawmaker greeted Song at the arrival hall. No other incumbent lawmaker was sighted at the airport, perhaps due to the current situation. Dozens of lawmakers have been named for allegedly receiving money from Song at the time of the party convention in 2021, and prosecutors conducted a search and seizure of lawmakers Youn Kwan-suk and Lee Sung-man, with close ties to Song.

Song Young-gil said, “I am very sorry that such an incident has occurred, causing the people and my fellow lawmakers concern.” He added, “As I said, I would take full responsibility, since it all happened because of me, and I will be responsible and lead efforts to resolve the problem.” He also announced, “As for the prosecutors, rather than beating around the bush calling in people by my side, if they summon me, I will actively respond.” Song explained, “The reason I returned was because some people misunderstood and thought I was in Paris to flee from the law.”

As for whether Song was aware of the cash envelopes at the time of the party convention, he only said, “Since I’ve arrived (in Korea), I will check the situation. There is a lot that I don’t know.” He already mentioned in Paris that it was difficult for the candidate to check every detail of the campaign. He also said his specific response to the prosecutors’ investigation depended on the prosecutors.

An arrest warrant for Kang Rae-gu, the chairman of the Institute of Internal Auditors Korea, known as the person in charge of securing the funds, was denied, and the investigation of people who were suspected of giving and receiving money is ongoing. Therefore, it is expected to take some time for the prosecutors to bring Song in for questioning.

Despite Song’s early return, tension continues to run high in the party, which is flooded with demands for additional stern action.

The party’s advisor, Park Jie-won appeared on BBS radio Monday and asked, “Will the people believe him if he claims the prosecutors are suppressing politicians while denying the voices of lawmakers Youn Kwan-suk and Lee Sung-man (in the recording that mention the situation when they handed out cash envelopes at the party convention in 2021)?” He said Lee Jae-myung should oust him from the party if he doesn’t leave voluntarily, since there was no room for excuses. Legislator Lee Sang-min appeared on CBS radio and said, “If the party leadership abandons any attempt to investigate and clean up the party, it is abandoning its leadership.” He further said, “If there is no reason to exercise one’s leadership as party leader, then there is no reason for him to hold that position.” One veteran lawmaker said, “The cash envelopes had a serious impact on the moderate voters, so if the related figures refuse to voluntarily leave the party, the party leaders should exercise strong leadership and trim them out.” He also said, “Are they hesitating to pull out their swords for fear that the sword Lee Jae-myung swings will return to aim at them?”

The party’s leadership is being cautious on removing people connected to the allegation. In a private meeting of the Supreme Council Monday, they did not discuss the ousting of lawmakers Youn and Lee, who are now suspects in the case. Kwon Chil-seung, senior spokesperson for the party, said, “Since Song is returning, wouldn’t it be right to wait for the actual details of the case?”

Lee Jae-myung received related questions from the press following the Supreme Council meeting and asked back, “How are things going with lawmaker Kim Hyun-ah (former People Power Party, suspected of receiving illegal political funds)? Don’t you know?” He seemed to be asking why the press only pointed out corruption allegations involving the opposition party.