Democratic Party: "PCA Law Constitutional... People Power Party Must Apologize for 'Foot-Dragging'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Following the Constitutional Court's ruling that the Act on the Establishment and Operation of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HCIO) does not violate the Constitution, the Democratic Party of Korea issued a statement urging the People Power Party to "immediately apologize for neglecting public welfare and obstructing progress."

On the 28th, Kang Sun-woo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "The Constitutional Court ruled the HCIO Act constitutional in response to a constitutional complaint filed by the People Power Party's predecessor, the United Future Party, which claimed the law violated the principle of separation of powers. The opposition and delay tactics by the People Power Party to block the launch of the HCIO have been nothing but 'political obstruction' and 'slander,'" he stated.

He continued, "Chairman Kim Jong-in and Floor Leader Joo Ho-young of the People Power Party must take responsibility for ignoring the public's desire for the HCIO and turning the National Assembly into a battleground, and immediately apologize to the people."

Spokesperson Kang added, "The HCIO is a precious achievement realized after more than 20 years of discussions aimed at eradicating corruption in the public service," noting, "On the 27th, Kim Jin-wook, head of the HCIO, disclosed the 'Directive No. 1' regarding investigation and document approval procedures, and on the 28th, he proposed candidates for the deputy director responsible for investigative operations."

He concluded, "We hope the HCIO will establish itself as an investigative agency that upholds independence and neutrality while fulfilling its fundamental duties, and we ask for the utmost effort to achieve this."