Jihyun Park's Sharp Remark "Hope for a Calm Debate"
Discussion on Prosecution Reform, Political Reform, and Media Innovation
[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] The Democratic Party of Korea held a party caucus to discuss the passage of prosecutorial reform and began deliberations on related bills. The party leadership emphasized the necessity of prosecutorial reform ahead of the caucus and expressed their determination to finalize the party stance.
On the afternoon of the 12th, the Democratic Party held a policy caucus at the National Assembly. During the caucus, the party plans to discuss the timing, content, and methods of prosecutorial reform legislation and decide whether to adopt a party position. They will also discuss political reform proposals such as the introduction of a multi-member constituency system and media innovation measures including regulations on fake news.
Yun Ho-jung, the emergency committee chairman, said in his opening remarks before the discussion, "We attended this meeting with the thought that we need to create a plan that even the public would see as a way for the prosecution to become a more advanced institution," adding, "I hope that through the valuable opinions of the members, a more refined reform plan will emerge."
He continued, "Although we regretfully served only five years before handing over power, we must once again consider the will of the people who entrusted us with the government and the majority in the National Assembly," and said, "I believe it is now time to reform power."
Co-chair Park Ji-hyun addressed the members with a message of appeal. Park said, "Prosecutorial reform must be done," but added, "However, the sacrifices of the people and the political environment are very difficult. I hope there will be a more sober discussion today." She pointed out, "The problem is that even if we push forward with prosecutorial reform, there is no proper way to pass it," and criticized, "Passing it is impossible without the participation of the Justice Party and unity among Democratic Party members."
She also expressed concern, saying, "It is difficult for the 'Complete Abolition of Prosecution's Investigation Rights' bill to pass, but even if it does, I worry that losing the local elections will cause us to lose practical benefits," and criticized, "Because this is being pushed right before a regime change, there are suspicions that it is intended to block investigations into Senior Advisor Lee Jae-myung and officials from the Moon Jae-in administration, which must be resolved."
Furthermore, she said, "Prosecutorial reform must be clearly done, but the methods and timing need to be discussed more thoroughly," and added, "We must seek broad public consent and continue efforts to correct prosecutors' abuse of power and normalize the state's investigative authority."
Floor leader Park Hong-geun warned against the collective backlash within the prosecution and emphasized the purpose of the caucus. Park said, "The prosecution's collective action crosses a line that must not be crossed," and stated, "The public and many lawmakers are angry at such behavior by the prosecution." He added, "It is our duty to achieve checks and balances among power institutions through adjusting the prosecution's investigative rights and reforming the police," and emphasized, "Now, our Democratic Party must gather the collective will of the public and party supporters today to reach a final conclusion."
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