Kim Jong-in: "Explain the Fundamental Reason for Yoon's Ouster Clearly... Not Acceptable in a Rule of Law Country"

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, pressured the government and ruling party by saying, "They must thoroughly explain to the public the fundamental reason why Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol must be removed," calling it an act against the rule of law. Joo Ho-young, the floor leader, also pointed out, "Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is damaging the rule of law in the Republic of Korea."

At the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th, Chairman Kim said, "The current attempt by the government and the Democratic Party of Korea to 'exclude Yoon Seok-yeol' needs to be questioned by the common sense of the general public as to whether this can be tolerated in a country governed by the rule of law."

He added, "The pretext that Prosecutor General Yoon spied on judges as a means to create conflict between judges and prosecutors to oust him is causing confusion in the judiciary. What is the role of those behind this? In a situation where all of society has been driven to division since the Moon administration, the current reality is that the public cannot accept the intention to cause division between the judiciary and the prosecution with common sense."

Floor Leader Joo also pointed out, "Many people have pointed out that Minister Choo's actions are unfair and have demanded she stop. Not only the nationwide high prosecutors, 59 nationwide prosecution offices, and branch offices but also public opinion polls overwhelmingly indicate that Minister Choo is damaging the rule of law in the Republic of Korea and violating the law."

He further stated, "Today, the hearing for the provisional suspension of Prosecutor General Yoon's duties is scheduled at the Seoul Administrative Court. I hope the judiciary will confirm to the public through decisions based on the Constitution, laws, and conscience that the rule of law in the Republic of Korea is alive."

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is delivering an opening remark at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Floor Leader Joo also pressured Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the Democratic Party, saying, "We have submitted a request for a parliamentary audit for (Prosecutor General) Yoon's investigation," and urged, "Please quickly discuss this within the Democratic Party so that it can proceed." He added, "It should not happen that the ruling party leader's words are not accepted within the party and become a subject of ridicule among the public."

The Emergency Committee also called for establishing a diplomatic line amid the US-China conflict. Chairman Kim mentioned Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Korea, saying, "I think he came to observe the atmosphere of our government after the US presidential election and to exert silent pressure." He pointed out, "Since Biden emphasizes multilateralism, it seems he will pursue a strategy of alliance and joint response. (The government) must now end its clumsy balancing diplomacy that makes everyone dislike it."

Regarding next year's budget, Floor Leader Joo warned about 'deficit bonds.' He said, "It is fortunate that the Democratic Party is moving toward accepting (People Power Party's opinion) on the third disaster relief fund and the nationwide vaccination budget," but emphasized, "In the super budget exceeding 556 trillion won, it is not right to issue deficit bonds again by borrowing for these items. Even if it means cutting unnecessary and non-urgent budgets, the two most urgent budgets must be allocated."