Simultaneous Emphasis on the Need for 'Daejang-dong Special Prosecutor'
Democrats Likely to Push Ahead with 'Double Special Prosecutor'
Justice Party Says "What's the Rush?" to Put the Brakes
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] As the Democratic Party of Korea is pushing for the simultaneous introduction of special prosecutors for the 'Daejang-dong 5 billion won club' and the 'Kim Geon-hee stock manipulation case,' both the Justice Party and the Basic Income Party have also called for investigations into the two cases. While all three opposition parties unanimously agreed on the necessity of a special prosecutor for Daejang-dong, the Justice Party expressed caution regarding the Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor, citing protection of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, making the introduction of the special prosecutor expected to face difficulties from the outset.
Yong Hye-in, co-representative of the Basic Income Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly on the morning of the 13th and stated, "A dual special prosecutor for the Daejang-dong case and the Kim Geon-hee stock manipulation case is necessary."
Regarding the Daejang-dong allegations, Co-representative Yong said, "Claiming that former Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung knew the apartment sale prices in Daejang-dong in advance after completion is no different from the prosecution using 'interest law' (selective investigation)," adding, "We do not know the progress of the investigation into the 5 billion won club, which is centered around former judges and prosecutors. This situation is a major context that causes distrust in the fairness of the current prosecution investigation."
Regarding the Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor, she pointed out, "In the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, there is sufficient evidence and circumstances to prove Kim’s involvement without the prosecution needing to use 'interest law.' Nevertheless, according to recent statements by the Ministry of Justice, the prosecution has never summoned Kim for questioning during the investigation process."
On the other hand, the Justice Party emphasized the necessity of pushing for a '5 billion won club special prosecutor' on the same day but withheld its position on the 'Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor.' Justice Party leader Lee Jeong-mi said at the party’s executive committee meeting, "We must immediately conduct a special prosecutor investigation into the 5 billion won club and summon Kim Geon-hee for questioning."
However, unlike the Democratic Party, which includes cases such as the 'Busan Savings Bank illegal loans' related to the Daejang-dong allegations, the Justice Party emphasized only the special prosecutor for those involved in the '5 billion won club.' Regarding the first trial acquittal of former People Power Party lawmaker Kwak Sang-do, Lee said, "There is no public trust in the acquittal of former lawmaker Kwak’s charges," calling it "a cover-up investigation by the prosecution and a sloppy ruling by the court." She then demanded a stance from People Power Party emergency committee chairman Jeong Jin-seok and Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon.
Regarding the suspicion of Kim Geon-hee’s involvement in the stock manipulation case, she said, "The trial of former Deutsche Motors chairman Kwon Oh-soo has made the grounds for summoning Kim Geon-hee for investigation more clear," urging immediate summons and investigation, adding, "If you just cover up by saying there is no guilt without investigation, can the dignity of the First Lady be preserved?"
However, the Justice Party showed a lukewarm attitude toward the Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor. It is pointed out that the Democratic Party is rushing the special prosecutor to counter the arrest warrant request for party leader Lee Jae-myung. Kim Chang-in, leader of the Youth Justice Party, said on the same day, "(The Democratic Party) must be in a hurry," adding, "If this is not a response to the scheduled arrest warrant request for party leader Lee Jae-myung, it cannot be explained."
Because of this, the Democratic Party’s plan to introduce a 'dual special prosecutor for Daejang-dong and Kim Geon-hee' through the National Assembly’s fast-track procedure has been stalled. To proceed with the fast-track procedure to bring the special prosecutor law directly to the plenary session, approval from at least three-fifths (180 seats) of the total members of the National Assembly is required, and without the Justice Party’s 6 seats, the quorum cannot be met.
At a back briefing on the same day, Justice Party leader Lee Jeong-mi firmly stated, "The Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor is the Democratic Party’s plan," adding, "The Justice Party has its own judgment." She explained, "If the prosecution clearly summons Kim Geon-hee for questioning and we observe the process, and if it does not proceed properly or if the prosecution appears unwilling to investigate, then it will be a matter for judgment."
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