Both Agree on the Need for Chaesangbyeong Special Prosecutor Law
Ahn Cheolsu "There Are Issues but Must Reach the People"
Kim Jaeseop "Must Create a Fair Special Prosecutor Law"
The special investigation law for Chae Sang-byeong passed the plenary session on the 4th. Although members of the People Power Party left the plenary session, Assemblymen Ahn Cheol-soo and Kim Jae-seop entered the chamber and participated in the vote. Assemblyman Ahn voted in favor, while Assemblyman Kim cast a dissenting vote. Both explained that although they both 'support the Chae Sang-byeong special investigation law,' their positions differed due to issues with the bill led by the Democratic Party.
After casting his affirmative vote, Assemblyman Ahn met with reporters in front of the plenary chamber and said, "It is the state's existential duty to uncover the truth about Chae Sang-byeong, who sacrificed his life at a young age, and to provide appropriate honors."
However, he added, "There are problems with the bill proposed by the Democratic Party," and said, "I believe it is right to entrust the authority to recommend special investigators to a third party, for example, the Korean Bar Association." He continued, "It would have been better if the ruling and opposition parties had reached a consensus, but unfortunately, that did not happen."
Regarding his vote in favor despite the party line of the People Power Party, he said, "It was out of a desperate feeling that we need to approach the people," adding, "After our party suffered a crushing defeat in the recent by-elections, it is urgent for us to approach the people and gain their trust. Showing that we are moving forward together with the people seemed appropriate, so I cast a favorable vote."
However, he also expressed the position that the contents of the special investigation law should be revised, addressing the Democratic Party. He said, "If the Democratic Party truly wants to restore Chae Sang-byeong's honor properly rather than engage in political strife, they should use methods such as third-party special investigator candidate recommendations or bipartisan consensus."
He requested President Yoon Seok-yeol not to exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto power).
Regarding opposition within his party, he said, "Although it may be difficult in the short term, I believe it is the right path for our party in the long term."
Assemblyman Kim stated via social media (SNS) that "the special investigation for Chae Sang-byeong is absolutely necessary," but added, "Looking at the special investigation bill proposed by the Democratic Party, it seems they are not truly interested in uncovering the truth." He criticized, "Even if trampling on the ruling party's opinion is one thing, reducing the first trial period to six months is shocking and blatant," and said, "They have no interest in the truth and just want to quickly put someone in prison."
Assemblyman Kim said, "Even if I agree with the purpose of the special investigation law, I cannot agree with the Democratic Party's politically motivated special investigation bill in good conscience as a constitutional institution," adding, "The Democratic Party's special investigation bill is so bad that it undermines the noble purpose."
He continued, "To clear the injustice against our soldier and to protect national security and veterans, we must create a fair special investigation law," and said, "Based on the third-party recommendation special investigation bill proposed by Han Dong-hoon (People Power Party leader candidate), our People Power Party should not back down and must properly discuss the special investigation law." He added, "Some Democratic Party members, including Assemblyman Jeong Seong-ho, are also responding positively, and Assemblyman Cho Guk is showing a progressive stance on this matter," and stated, "Assemblyman Cheon Ha-ram's special investigation bill can also be sufficiently discussed."
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