Democratic Party: "Accepting United Party's Demand for State Audit is Impossible"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea stated on the 5th that it is "not possible" to accept the demand for a parliamentary investigation set by the United Future Party as a condition for their return to the National Assembly. Earlier, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, held a press conference on the same day, demanding a parliamentary investigation into Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang and a special prosecutor for the alleged 'collusion between prosecutors and media.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Hong Jung-min, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, held a press conference at the National Assembly on the same day and said, "The parliamentary investigation was discussed despite unreasonable demands in order to form a smooth committee during the agreement."

Spokesperson Hong explained, "The case of the Justice and Memory Foundation is under investigation and cannot be the subject of a parliamentary investigation, and other matters requested by the United Future Party can be sufficiently questioned and answered through standing committees," adding, "Since the United Future Party said they would return to the National Assembly, they can discuss it in the relevant standing committees."

However, regarding the special prosecutor related to the conflict between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, he said, "We have decided to observe the situation further."

Regarding the formation of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (PCC) candidate recommendation committee, he said, "The Democratic Party is proceeding according to the law, and the issue of legal amendments is not yet under review," adding, "We expect the United Future Party to comply with the law as well, and we will continue to consult on this matter."

In the following Q&A session, when asked by reporters whether the Democratic Party would return the seven standing committee chair positions allocated to the opposition if the United Future Party demands them again, Spokesperson Hong replied, "If they really make such a request upon returning to the National Assembly, we will discuss it sufficiently. The possibility is open."

Meanwhile, the chief floor negotiators of both parties are scheduled to meet in the afternoon to discuss the legislative schedule related to the United Future Party's return to the National Assembly.