Opposition Leader Jang Demands Separate Special‑Counsel Probes Amid Hunger‑Strike Pressure

Updated 2026-02-04 02:12:34+00:00 (5 articles)

Image: Yonhap

Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, delivers a policy address during a plenary session of the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 4, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Jang Calls for Three Independent Investigations into Unification Church Ties and Bribery In a National Assembly speech on 4 February 2026, People Power Party leader Jang Dong‑hyeok demanded three distinct special‑counsel probes targeting alleged Unification Church funding of Democratic Party (DP) lawmakers, nomination‑related bribery, and other misconduct, arguing that a single merged inquiry would dilute accountability [1].

He Rejects DP’s Plan to Merge Ongoing Inquiries Jang criticized the DP’s proposal to combine investigations of former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s 2024 martial‑law attempt, former first lady Kim Keon Hee’s allegations, and a Marine’s death, warning that a comprehensive probe could obscure responsibility and hinder transparent outcomes [1].

Previous Probes Fell Apart, Raising Concerns of Political Manipulation Citing earlier special‑counsel investigations into opposition figures that ended without conclusions, Jang accused the DP of launching a second round of inquiries primarily to gain political advantage ahead of the June local elections [1].

Legal Framework Requires Legislative Approval and Presidential Appointment Under Korean law, a special‑counsel investigation proceeds only after the National Assembly passes a bill, after which the president selects a prosecutor from candidates nominated by parties or independent bodies, a process Jang highlighted to stress procedural legitimacy [1].

Eight‑Day Hunger Strike Amplifies Demand for Independent Counsel Last month Jang undertook an eight‑day hunger strike to pressure the DP into accepting independent counsel investigations into claims that DP lawmakers received Unification Church funds and engaged in nomination bribery; he also raised inflation, a weak won, soaring Seoul housing prices, and U.S. trade pressures, requesting a one‑on‑one meeting with President Lee rather than a joint discussion [1].

Sources

1.
Yonhap: Opposition Leader Calls for Separate Special Counsel Probes into Ruling Party Allegations – Reports Jang Dong‑hyeok’s demand for three distinct investigations, his criticism of the DP’s combined‑probe plan, references to prior fizzled probes, the legal steps for special‑counsel appointments, and his recent eight‑day hunger strike demanding independent inquiries .
2026-02-04 02:12:34+00:00

Timeline

2023 – The 2023 death of a Marine becomes a recurring focus of special‑counsel investigations, linked later to alleged corruption and the Yoon administration’s legacy [2][3][4].

Dec 3, 2024 – Yoon Suk‑yeol attempts a martial‑law declaration, triggering nationwide protests and a subsequent insurrection charge that fuels multiple special‑counsel probes [5][1].

2024 – Yoon’s failed martial‑law bid and related corruption allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee spark the first round of special‑counsel investigations, which later “fizzle out” without convictions [1].

Early 2025 – Earlier special‑counsel probes into opposition lawmakers end without results, prompting the People Power Party to accuse the Democratic Party of using investigations for political gain [1].

Dec 1, 2025 – The National Assembly‑authorized Marine Corps probe formally concludes, leaving unresolved questions that the ruling party later cites as justification for a second comprehensive probe [5].

Dec 2, 2025 – Democratic Party chairman Jung Chung‑rae publicly urges a second, all‑encompassing special‑counsel investigation to address 17 unresolved allegations from the Marine, martial‑law and Kim Keon Hee cases, timing the appeal two days before the first anniversary of the Dec 3 martial‑law incident [5].

Dec 14, 2025 – The scheduled end of the martial‑law probe approaches, with the National Assembly expecting to wrap up its inquiry into Yoon’s 2024 actions, setting the stage for further legislative action [5].

Dec 28, 2025 – The Kim Keon Hee probe is slated to close, leaving a gap that the ruling Democratic Party plans to fill with a new special‑counsel bill covering 17 lingering allegations [5].

Jan 15, 2026 – Lawmakers introduce a bill calling for a second comprehensive special‑counsel probe into Yoon’s martial‑law bid, his wife’s alleged corruption, and the 2023 Marine death, citing 17 unresolved allegations [4].

Jan 15, 2026 – People Power Party leader Jang Dong‑hyeok begins an eight‑day hunger strike, demanding that the Democratic Party accept opposition‑backed probe bills on an alleged Unification Church bribery scandal and pressuring the legislature to separate investigations [2][4].

Jan 16, 2026 – The National Assembly votes 172‑2 to pass the second‑round special‑counsel probe bill, reopening investigations into Yoon’s martial‑law attempt, Kim Keon Hee and the Marine death, and intensifying partisan tension ahead of June’s local elections [2].

Feb 4, 2026 – In a National Assembly speech, opposition leader Jang Dong‑hyeok demands three distinct special‑counsel probes into the ruling Democratic Party and President Lee’s administration, warning that the DP’s plan to merge investigations would obscure accountability [1].

Feb 4, 2026 – Jang also seeks a one‑on‑one meeting with President Lee, citing soaring housing prices, inflation, a weak won and U.S. trade pressure as urgent economic issues requiring direct dialogue [1].

June 2026 – South Korea’s scheduled local elections loom, positioning the Yoon probe and the Unification Church bribery controversy as pivotal issues that could sway voter sentiment and reshape parliamentary power balances [2][3][4].

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