Park Hong-geun: "This Week is a Turning Point for Prosecution Reform... We Will Definitely Complete Reform Legislation"

"Proceed According to National Assembly Act Procedures"
"Reflecting the Spirit of the Times in Confirmation Hearings"

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press briefing on current issues at the National Assembly on the 18th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized his determination to pass the second phase of power agency reform legislation during the April extraordinary session, stating, "We will definitely complete the second phase of power agency reform legislation according to the procedures stipulated in the National Assembly Act."

On the 18th, Park held a press briefing at the National Assembly and said, "This week will be a critical turning point for the second phase of power agency reform."

He stated, "Currently, the People Power Party, the Presidential Transition Committee, and the prosecution have formed an alliance to protect vested interests and are using all means at their disposal. The prosecution's behavior of selectively and arbitrarily interpreting even the Constitution to protect their power and privileges is absolutely unacceptable."

He continued, "The Constitutional Court has already concluded that 'the legislature can decide who will be the subject of investigation and prosecution, considering the era's circumstances and the general values of the people at the time of legislation.' There is no room for reconsideration."

Regarding the opposition's criticism that the prosecution reform bill is a trick to stop investigations into the ruling party, he explained, "Although the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was established, investigative authority over six major crimes was left with the prosecution. That was clearly the first phase and a transitional part. We need to settle the issue of power agency reform through responses from the prosecution and police, but there is a great concern that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration will obviously regress, which is why we are rushing the passage of the bill."

When asked why they are attempting prosecution reform now despite many other urgent livelihood bills, Park replied, "If we fail this time, we will not be able to do it in the future," promising to address livelihood issues such as real estate, mobility rights for the disabled, and fuel cost burdens.

Regarding future responses, he said, "There will be intense debates in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. We will proceed according to the procedures stipulated in the National Assembly Act. Of course, if a filibuster begins, we will have no choice but to respond accordingly."

On the personnel hearings for the next cabinet nominees, he stated, "We asked for clarification on the standards and who will conduct the verification, but there has been no response. I do not know where the next five years will go with such a sloppy system." He added, "We intend to examine public officials' ethics and qualifications in line with the times, including seven major standards for public official appointments, such as abuse of power and hate speech. We will strictly demand accountability for personnel appointments to ensure they meet the standards while prioritizing the will of the people."