Democratic Party Political Reform TF Launched "We Will Prevent Corruption and Conflicts of Interest Among National Assembly Members"

Park Deokheum Controversy: "People Power Party Leadership Also Complicit, Take Responsibility and Resign"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea held a press conference on the launch of the Political Reform Task Force (TF) on the 23rd, announcing their commitment to preventing corruption and conflicts of interest among members of the National Assembly, which have recently sparked controversy both inside and outside the political sphere.

TF leader and Supreme Council member Shin Dong-geun stated at the National Assembly Communication Office press conference, "We will demand appropriate measures and accountability from lawmakers involved in corruption and allegations, and prepare and pass institutional and legal reforms during this regular session of the National Assembly to build a trustworthy legislature."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

TF member Rep. Cheon Jun-ho criticized Rep. Park Deok-heum of the People Power Party regarding the conflict of interest controversy, calling it a "clear violation of the Public Officials Ethics Act" and stating, "It also violates the National Assembly Act, which prohibits profit-making related to the duties of the relevant standing committee." Rep. Cheon added, "The leadership of the People Power Party is also complicit in this conflict of interest controversy," and strongly urged, "The leadership should immediately expel Rep. Park and take responsibility for the series of incidents by resigning from their positions, as they were involved in the appointment to the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee."

They also called for the reassignment of Rep. Yoon Chang-hyun of the People Power Party. Rep. Yoon, a former outside director of Samsung C&T Corporation, served on the Political Affairs Committee, which handles legislation related to Samsung Life Insurance, raising similar conflict of interest concerns. At the press conference, Rep. Lee Jung-moon of the Democratic Party pointed out, "According to Article 48, Paragraph 7 of the National Assembly Act, if there is a clear reason that fairness cannot be ensured when appointing members to a standing committee, the appointment or request for appointment should not be made," and urged, "Rep. Yoon should voluntarily leave the Political Affairs Committee or be reassigned by the People Power Party to help build a trustworthy National Assembly."

Supreme Council member Shin emphasized, "The TF's purpose is not only to take active disciplinary actions against problematic lawmakers within the party but also to establish National Assembly-level measures to prevent recurrence." The TF also plans to focus on legislative improvements, including setting detailed standards to prevent conflicts of interest.

At the press conference, the TF also hinted at measures regarding Rep. Lee Sang-jik, who has been embroiled in controversy over the 'Eastar Jet incident.' Supreme Council member Shin stated, "Rep. Kim Hong-gul was expelled at the emergency Supreme Council meeting on the 18th. Rep. Lee, the founder of Eastar Jet, who faces allegations of mass layoffs and wage arrears, will also be swiftly and strictly dealt with following an investigation by the party's Ethics Inspection Team."