Democrat Park Ju-min "Strongly Demand Special Prosecutor Law for Fallen Marine Corps Members Once Again"

Democrats Designate Special Prosecutor Law as Fast-Track Agenda
116 Democratic Party Lawmakers Urge Passage in Plenary Session
Bu Seung-chan: "Let's Pass It by Bipartisan Agreement in the 21st National Assembly"

Democratic Party lawmakers have called for the passage of the 'Special Investigation Act on Allegations of External Pressure in the Investigation of the Marine Corps Member's Death.' The Democratic Party designated this bill as a fast-track agenda item last year.

Park Ju-min, head of the Democratic Party's Task Force for Fact-Finding on the Marine Corps Member Death Incident, held a press conference on the morning of the 15th and stated, "It has been almost nine months since the Marine Corps member's death occurred," adding, "The commander gave an unreasonable order to enter the water, and the division commander as well as ministers and vice ministers have taken no responsibility." He continued, "We strongly express our position that the bill must be discussed in earnest starting today," and said, "116 Democratic Party lawmakers have signed jointly."

Park Jumin, head of the Democratic Party of Korea's Marine Corps Death Incident Fact-Finding Task Force, held a press conference criticizing the appointment of former Minister Lee Jongseop as ambassador to Australia at the National Assembly on the 7th of last month. From left: Jeon Yonggi, Representative Kim Yongmin, Task Force Head Park. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

Jeon Jae-su, a former Marine Corps sergeant, read a press statement at the conference, saying, "The 'Special Investigation Act on Allegations of External Pressure in the Investigation of the Late Corporal Chae's Death,' which was designated as a fast-track agenda item, was automatically submitted to the plenary session on the 3rd," and added, "There are about 50 days left in the 21st National Assembly. During this period, the Special Investigation Act for Corporal Chae must be passed." Following this, Bu Seung-chan, a newly elected member, said, "Let's pass the Special Investigation Act for Corporal Chae in the 21st National Assembly through bipartisan agreement," and "I earnestly ask Speaker Kim Jin-pyo as well." Bu is a former spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.

After the press conference, Park Ju-min met with reporters and said, "If necessary, before the plenary session handles it, we will take the approach of voting on a revised bill first." When asked by a reporter whether there are plans to re-deliberate the Special Investigation Act on the Itaewon Disaster, he replied, "The wishes of the families are very important," and "This afternoon (the 15th), we plan to visit with the elected members who are available." Furthermore, he added, "We will listen to their stories there and consult with the floor leader and leadership to establish a clear policy."