PPP Leadership Candidates Clash Over Chae Sangbyeong Special Prosecutor Bill... Policy Verification on Non-Consensual Intercourse Law and More (Update)

Policy Verification Intensifies
Han Proposes Third-Party Special Prosecutor Bill
Debate Over Non-Consensual Intercourse Law and Foreigners' Voting Rights

The People Power Party leadership candidates reignited the debate over the Chae Sangbyeong special prosecutor bill on July 16. Candidates Na Kyungwon, Won Heeryong, and Yoon Sanghyun opposed the bill, stating that both the presidential office and the party share the position that a special prosecutor should only be considered if the investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) proves insufficient. In contrast, candidate Han Donghoon reiterated that a third-party special prosecutor bill could serve as a breakthrough.

During the third televised debate for the People Power Party leadership hosted by Channel A that afternoon, candidate Won asked Han whether he would accept the Chae Sangbyeong special prosecutor bill. Han responded that the special prosecutor bill proposed by the Democratic Party should never be accepted, stating, "I fully support the president's exercise of the veto." When Won followed up with another question about the third-party special prosecutor bill proposed by Han, Han replied, "Given public sentiment in the current situation, we need to present at least this level of alternative. We must send a message to the public that we are neither passive nor running away from veterans' and security issues. I believe my proposal of a new alternative has changed the landscape."

Na and Yoon stated, "The party's position is to review the CIO investigation and, if the results are insufficient, to proactively request a special prosecutor. Now is not the time to propose alternatives." Won, who had questioned Han, also emphasized, "Whether it is the Democratic Party's proposal or the third-party proposal, if a special prosecutor is initiated, the investigation could target the president. We must block it from the outset."

Na Kyungwon, Won Heeryong, Han Donghoon, and Yoon Sanghyun, four candidates for the People Power Party leadership, are posing for a commemorative photo on the 11th at the MBN studio in Jung-gu, Seoul, before the second broadcast debate for party leadership candidates. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Policy Verification Intensifies... Han Targets Non-Consensual Intercourse Law and Foreigners' Voting Rights

During the debate, Han questioned Na and Won about the non-consensual intercourse law and voting rights for foreigners, both of which they had previously sponsored. Han pointed out to Na, who proposed the non-consensual intercourse law in September 2018, "There is a side effect of shifting the burden of proof from the prosecutor to the accused, which could result in many people being falsely accused." As Minister of Justice, Han had previously withdrawn support for the non-consensual intercourse law based on data from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

In response, Na explained, "At the time, in relation to the 'Ahn Hee-jung case,' I believed it was appropriate to propose the non-consensual intercourse law in cases of sexual violence involving abuse of power." However, Na added, "The non-consensual intercourse law could also create new victims, and it can be supplemented by measures such as the Jessica Law. Upon reconsideration, I now believe it is not appropriate to maintain the non-consensual intercourse law." Nevertheless, during her own segment, Na countered, "This is a topic of great interest in communities frequented by men in their twenties. As a leader, it would be better to discuss legislation from a broader perspective."

To Won, Han asked, "The law you proposed and passed as a member of the National Assembly has resulted in most foreign voters being Chinese nationals. What was the process by which you directly sponsored this bill?" Han pointed out that while Koreans cannot vote in China, Chinese nationals can vote in Korea, which violates the principle of reciprocity. Won replied, "A bill can only be proposed if it is co-sponsored by at least ten lawmakers, so it is common practice within the same party to help each other out. I was not the main sponsor of the bill." He continued, "The law was mainly intended for Korean residents in Japan, but as issues arose regarding Chinese nationals' participation in local governments, I have also come to take the problem you mentioned very seriously. In particular, I agree with you that the principle of reciprocity with China must be corrected."

[Image source=Yonhap News]