Choo Kyung-ho: "Chae Sangbyeong Special Counsel Bill Possible After CIO Investigation"

"A Structure Must Be Established to Prevent Political Prosecutors from Leading Investigations"
"The Party and Government Do Not Always Share the Same Opinions"

Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated that regarding the Chae Sang-byeong special counsel bill, it could move forward if public distrust is not resolved even after the investigation results by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). However, he added, "A structure must be established to prevent political prosecutors from conducting the investigation."

At a forum hosted by the Kwanhun Club on this day, Choo addressed the controversy surrounding the death of Sergeant Chae during flood rescue operations and the subsequent Marine Corps investigation process, saying, "It is appropriate to first observe the results of the CIO's investigation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the reinstatement issue of Kim Kyung-soo, former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, which recently caused friction between the presidential office and the party, Choo said, "Pardons and reinstatements are acts of governance and exclusive prerogatives of the president, and should be respected as such." When asked about the position of Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, he replied, "I am not Han Dong-hoon," but added, "I will present my opinions while respecting the president's acts of governance and exclusive authority." On the differing views between President Yoon Suk-yeol and leader Han regarding the pardon of former governor Kim, he stated, "It is not always possible for the party and government to be 100% aligned in their thinking," and added, "When there are differences, presenting opinions and coordinating them is the essence of party-government consultation, dialogue, and communication."

Regarding the National Assembly's inability to even hold an opening ceremony, he remarked, "Over the past 100 days, the National Assembly has been marked by political strife and conflict," and added, "There has been no focus on people's livelihoods. I feel ashamed and deeply distressed."