[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Won Dara] As the proxy battle between Chu Mi-ae and Yoon Seok-yeol intensifies in the ruling and opposition political circles, the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee has been holding 'half meetings' for a week, while the People Power Party is demanding the dismissal of Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae.
Yoon Ho-jung, chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and a member of the Democratic Party, appeared on KBS radio on the morning of the 1st and said regarding the opposition party's demand for a state audit, "Prosecutor General Yoon and Minister Chu are two sides of the same coin. If a state audit is conducted, it should be done together," but added, "Prosecutor General Yoon is currently under disciplinary review, and some matters have been referred for investigation. These issues need to be settled first before a state audit can be possible."
Regarding the People Power Party's mention of the opposition party's whip Kim Do-eup's reassignment and their demand for an apology, he dismissed it by saying, "There is nothing to apologize for. No abusive language was used." On the claim that President Moon Jae-in should directly resolve the current situation, he also responded, "I don't think it is a matter for the president to intervene. This is a disciplinary procedure of the Ministry of Justice," and added, "The opposition's attempt to constantly involve the president is a political offensive."
On the same day, the People Power Party repeatedly demanded Minister Chu's dismissal. They filed a complaint against Chairman Yoon to the National Assembly Ethics Committee for "violation of the duty to maintain the dignity of a member of the National Assembly," among other reasons. Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's remark about Prosecutor General Yoon's 'voluntary resignation' during the morning floor strategy meeting, saying, "Voluntary resignation means quitting on one's own, but Prime Minister Chung's statement is a self-contradiction," and added, "The prime minister, who has the authority to recommend the dismissal of cabinet members, should recommend the dismissal of Minister Chu, not talk about the voluntary resignation of Prosecutor General Yoon, who is investigating the living power according to the law. This is a bizarre idea." He further criticized, "Trying to discard Prosecutor General Yoon after the hunt is over will not be tolerated by the public," and said, "The court's decision on the injunction to suspend the job suspension scheduled for today or tomorrow will be a litmus test to determine whether the rule of law is alive or dead."
Rookie lawmakers of the People Power Party also raised their voices to President Moon Jae-in, saying, "If the prosecution is not to become your loyal dog, immediately dismiss Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae." In a statement released that day, the rookie lawmakers said, "The president, who is effectively directing the prosecution investigation while hiding behind Minister Chu, does not answer the people's questions, raising doubts about whether he is qualified to tell public officials to 'put the country first and personal matters later.'" They emphasized, "Does President Moon want the prosecution to become his loyal dog? If not, he must immediately dismiss Minister Chu, who is blocking the prosecution's investigation into power-related corruption scandals."
They also stressed that if the president does not want a 'lawless chaos,' he should find the person responsible for ordering the economic feasibility manipulation of the Wolseong Unit 1 nuclear reactor to restore the rule of law, and if he does not want to be remembered as the 'king of election manipulation,' he should reveal the Blue House officials involved in the Ulsan mayoral election interference. They further pointed out, "If you do not treat the people as fools, you must immediately dismiss Chief Secretary for Political Affairs Choi Jae-sung, who is obsessed with early morning soccer, and the police chief who agreed with him."
Although the plenary session on the 2nd, which will address the budget deadline and key bills, is approaching, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee is still being boycotted by the opposition party. The budget review, which includes the third disaster relief fund, is also being delayed. Chairman Yoon announced in the 'Legislation and Judiciary Committee Full Meeting Notice' that day, "Due to the delay in the schedule of the Budget Subcommittee meeting of the Strategy and Finance Committee, it is physically impossible to prepare for the review of the agenda of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, making it difficult to resume the meeting."
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