Assemblyman So Byeong-cheol Plays Key Role in Agile Response in Unity with Ruling Party Lawmakers
Many Challenges Ahead but Historical Significance Is Great
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker So Byung-chul (Judiciary Committee, Suncheon·Gwangyang·Gurye·Gokseong Gap) announced on the 23rd that the "Yeosun Incident Special Act," a 73-year-old long-standing wish of the Jeonnam region, was finally passed after twists and turns at the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee (hereinafter, the Administrative Safety Committee) bill subcommittee the day before.
The reason the Yeosun Incident Special Act could be discussed at the subcommittee was primarily due to lawmaker So Byung-chul's persistent and tenacious persuasion and efforts.
Starting with persuading Han Byung-do, the Administrative Safety Committee's secretary, and then his successor Park Jae-ho, to have the bill submitted, he consecutively met with ruling and opposition committee members and advanced the review order as early as possible to ensure the bill would be discussed at the subcommittee.
However, as the subcommittee proceeded, an opposition from the opposition party was sensed, making it seem uncertain whether the Yeosun Incident Special Act could be passed.
In response, before the bill submission time, lawmaker So rushed to the Administrative Safety Committee bill subcommittee meeting room and persuaded ruling and opposition members until the end, saying, "Today, the subcommittee passage of the Yeosun Act must be achieved."
Democratic Party lawmaker Park Wan-joo proposed reviewing the opposition party's 12th item, the "Act on the Restoration of Honor and Compensation for the March 15 Uprising Participants," and the 13th item, the "Special Act on the Investigation of the Yeosu·Suncheon October 19 Incident and the Restoration of Honor for Victims," collectively and approving them at once.
Lawmaker So contacted ruling and opposition members one after another outside the subcommittee meeting room, persuading them, and stayed in the subcommittee meeting room until the Yeosun Act discussion ended, listening to the opinions of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and ruling and opposition members.
Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Hyung-seok stated, "The subcommittee review itself is historically significant for an incident that happened 73 years ago," and People Power Party lawmaker Lee Myung-soo also said, "The Yeosun Incident has not been properly addressed for a long time, so I agree on the necessity of legislation. Although it is late, it is fortunate, but we need to check if there is any imbalance or negligence compared to other incidents."
However, even after the detailed examination of the articles was completed, the opposition party's disagreements prevented a resolution. Lawmaker So requested to speak and earnestly appealed, "The reason for accepting the committee's proposed amendments is solely for the victims and bereaved families who have waited for 73 years. Since it has already undergone two exceptional reviews, please approve it today, considering the heartfelt grievances of the bereaved families."
Eventually, opposition party members left their seats, and Democratic Party subcommittee chairman Park Jae-ho and Democratic Administrative Safety Committee members decided to amend some articles in balance with the "Special Act on the Investigation of the Jeju 4·3 Incident and the Restoration of Honor for Victims" and pass the Yeosun Incident Special Act.
Lawmaker So said, "With today's subcommittee passage, we have overcome one of the big mountains. I am glad to be able to give hope to the bereaved families and victims who have been anxiously waiting for a long time. I also express my gratitude to the Administrative Safety Committee members who actively participated to ensure the passage of the Yeosun Act today," and added, "There are still many mountains to overcome. We are steadily making visible progress step by step, so no matter what difficulties arise, I will fulfill my duty to ensure the Yeosun Incident Special Act is definitely passed."
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