Joo Ho-young Meets Kim Tae-nyeon, Remains Reserved on Discussions Including CIO

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporter Kim Hyemin] On November 24, Joo Ho-young, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, commented on his meeting with Kim Tae-nyeon, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "We discussed various pending issues, including the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO)," but declined to elaborate further.

Joo made these remarks to reporters after the party's virtual general meeting held that afternoon.

Regarding the third round of disaster relief funds, he expressed his intention to push forward, stating, "The support should be calculated for those who will suffer the most severe damage, and it should be reflected in next year's main budget."

On the internal conflict within the party regarding the special law for the new airport on Gadeokdo, Joo said, "The People Power Party's position has always been clear. Since the expansion plan for Gimhae Airport remains the government's official plan, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which is in charge, must clarify whether the expansion plan is still valid and what procedures would be required to change it." He emphasized, "Only then can we make judgments about the next steps. Discussing the special law for the new airport on Gadeokdo at this point is not in the right order."

Regarding recent calls to extend the activities of the Social Disaster Special Investigation Commission (Sachamwi), which is set to end this December, Joo said, "I understand that the proposal for extension was only brought up in November, and there is a push to expedite the review of the bill." He added, "So far, 72 billion won has been spent on fact-finding investigations related to the Sewol ferry, including 140 billion won for salvaging the Sewol, totaling over 200 billion won. Given this situation, I will carefully consider once again whether the public would agree to further extend the investigation period."