Yun Hojung: "Opposition's Veto Power May Be Removed If United Future Party Refuses to Cooperate in CIO Chief Appointment"

Yun Hojung, Chairman of the National Assembly Judiciary Committee, is attending the joint meeting of standing committee chairpersons and designated floor leaders held at the National Assembly on the 16th, delivering a greeting./Photo by Yun Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy, Reporter Won Dara] Yun Hojung, Chairman of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that if the United Future Party does not cooperate with the launch of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the opposition party's veto power could be removed from the CIO Act.

Regarding Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyeol convening a nationwide meeting of chief prosecutors in response to Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's exercise of her investigative command authority, Yun emphasized, "The prosecution must maintain neutrality, not independence."

On the morning of July 3, during an appearance on KBS Radio, Chairman Yun said, "I believe the opposition party will cooperate in appointing the head of the CIO," adding, "Because if they do not, it will inevitably create a situation where the law must be amended due to the opposition's lack of cooperation."

When asked, "Does this mean that if there is no cooperation, the opposition party's veto power and similar provisions could be removed?" he replied, "Yes." He continued, "Depending on the extent to which the opposition party cooperates with the launch of the CIO, the scope of amendments will also be determined," and added, "I think the opposition will cooperate with the current law to maintain their veto power."

Regarding how long they would wait for the opposition party, he said, "As far as I know, the opposition side is saying they will make recommendations after the law takes effect on the 15th," emphasizing, "We will not wait indefinitely." He also stated, "Today, the Democratic Party will establish an internal recommendation committee for CIO chief candidates and recommend two committee members."

Chairman Yun said, "The first CIO chief should be someone with fair and just leadership," and added, "I hope it will be someone with a strong will to make the public service sector clean and transparent."

Regarding Prosecutor General Yoon convening the nationwide meeting of chief prosecutors that day, Yun said, "I believe Prosecutor General Yoon will accept the (command authority)," and added, "However, since this concerns a junior prosecutor he has worked with, it is likely a procedure to make a decision after hearing the opinions of those around him." He further emphasized, "The prosecution must maintain neutrality, not independence. Independence refers to the judiciary, that is, the independence of the courts. Saying that the prosecution, as a major judicial institution, must also have independence is excessive."

Regarding his previous remarks that Prosecutor General Yoon should make a decision for the organization, Yun explained, "It is unreasonable to discuss the resignation of a prosecutor general whose two-year term is guaranteed. The idea of a resignation decision does not make sense."