Han Dong-hoon Criticizes President Lee's Apology for Noh Woong-rae's Exclusion

Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon criticized President Lee Jae-myung on August 23 after the president apologized for the exclusion of former Democratic Party lawmaker Noh Woong-rae from the party's candidacy. Han stated, "This is merely a buildup to somehow cancel the charges against himself."

In a post on his Facebook page, Han remarked, "The person who knows better than anyone that Noh received money is President Lee." He added, "When Noh was cut off from the Democratic Party during the last general election, the party leader was none other than President Lee. At that time, Lee, as the Democratic Party leader, stated that 'the specific facts are acknowledged by (Noh Woong-rae) himself, which is a problem in itself.' That 'specific fact' refers to Noh having received money from the wife of a broker."

Han continued, "Despite this, President Lee's recent comments, reminiscent of a drama from 22 years ago, about 'I'm sorry, I love you' are merely an attempt to build up to cancel the charges against himself. If he truly believes that Noh was wronged, there is a recording of Noh telling the broker, 'I am using what you gave me last time, why are you giving me more?' I suggest President Lee come to the National Assembly and listen to it together."

He concluded, "The ending of the drama 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' was tragic, and I believe the conclusion of this charge cancellation melodrama will be the same."

Earlier, on August 21, President Lee apologized for excluding Noh from the candidacy during the 22nd general election, stating, "As the party leader, I had no choice but to join in the political prosecution's atrocities to sacrifice Noh for the sake of the overall election." This came after Noh was acquitted in an appeal regarding charges of bribery and illegal political funding.