"Push for Special Prosecutor Cha Sang-byeong if distrust not resolved by Corruption Investigation Office probe"
"No major disagreement with Han Dong-hoon... Communicate more than anyone"
"Financial Investment Tax should be abolished... Democratic Party will hesitate to implement next year"
Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, expressed respect for President Yoon Seok-yeol's decision to reinstate former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, saying, "I think it was a decision made after careful consideration from the perspective of political harmony and national unity." In addition, Floor Leader Choo shared his views on the special prosecution law for Chae Sang-byeong, his relationship with Representative Han Dong-hoon, and the abolition of the financial investment income tax.
After attending a discussion hosted by the Kwanhun Club at the Korea Press Center on the 13th, Floor Leader Choo told reporters, "This is a crime that shook the foundation of democracy, so-called comment manipulation, and there is critical public opinion that the person involved shows no remorse, but there are also evaluations that it was a necessary bold decision." When asked whether Kim’s reinstatement means another competitor has emerged for the People Power Party’s goal of regime re-creation, he refrained from commenting, saying, "Political interpretations are matters for the public, media, and various politicians to individually evaluate."
At the earlier discussion, Floor Leader Choo reiterated the basic stance that the investigation results of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) should come first regarding the special prosecution law for Chae Sang-byeong. He said, "If distrust is not resolved even after the CIO investigation, then pushing forward with the special prosecution law is possible," adding, "However, a structure must be created where political prosecutors do not conduct the investigation." This implies that if the toxic clauses in the special prosecution law proposed by the People Power Party are resolved, they could accept the method suggested by Representative Han Dong-hoon, where the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recommends the special prosecutor.
Regarding President Yoon’s nomination of Kim Yong-hyun as Minister of National Defense and Shin Won-sik as National Security Office chief candidate, Floor Leader Choo said, "They appointed candidates who have expertise in their respective fields and have devoted their lives to service, so I think it was an appropriate personnel decision." On the controversy arising because Kim is an alumnus of Chung-Ang High School, the same as President Yoon, he responded, "Isn't it natural that there can be seniors and juniors from specific high schools or universities?" and added, "It is unreasonable to view this single case as a personnel appointment based on connections."
Furthermore, regarding the appointment of Kim Hyung-seok as the new director of the Independence Hall, which sparked controversy over his historical views, Floor Leader Choo said, "I understand that Director Kim also stated yesterday that he honors independence activists and has not changed his respect for the spirit of the independence movement," adding, "From the perspective that such issues should not be politicized, we are not taking any special stance on the appointment."
Addressing rumors of discord with Representative Han Dong-hoon, Floor Leader Choo said, "Some people make it seem like I have major disagreements with Representative Han, but there are no significant differences," and added, "I communicate with Representative Han more than any other member of the National Assembly, even more than those who are considered close, and we communicate and discuss directions both publicly and privately." He continued, "There may be moments when mutual understanding is lacking, but once that moment passes, we talk and set directions together." He also stated, "There are no disagreements between Han Dong-hoon and Choo Kyung-ho, and there will not be in the future. If there are, we will coordinate well."
Regarding Representative Han’s potential candidacy in the by-elections, he said, "Talking about it now seems too early," and added, "We need to assess the political situation and make a judgment." He continued, "Even if he wants to enter the National Assembly and run as a candidate, it is not solely up to his will," explaining, "There are various procedures within the party to recommend candidates for by-elections, and the political situation is judged accordingly. It is inappropriate to speculate on where a strong candidate will run from a campaign strategy perspective at this point."
On the financial investment income tax, he said, "I think it is right to abolish it as promised in the presidential campaign," and added, "The opposition party will probably hesitate to push the financial investment income tax through next year." He further explained, "Implementation next year is basically difficult, and I believe an agreement on this can be reached." He emphasized, "The number of individual investors has exceeded 14 million, and overseas stock investors have increased about tenfold in the past six to seven years. If changes that affect investor behavior in the stock market occur, our already vulnerable stock market could face significant volatility."
Regarding housing supply issues in the metropolitan area, he said, "I have ordered sufficient supply, and the government says it is doing so, but it is still not satisfactory. There was a discussion with Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Choi Sang-mok and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo at the high-level government-party meeting in July," adding, "Currently, the real estate market is showing signs of instability centered on Seoul and the metropolitan area. We must prevent a repeat of the surge and speculation caused by the Moon Jae-in administration’s failed real estate policies. I have ordered a significant increase in supply where there is demand."
On the growing household debt problem, he said, "Loans have increased a lot, so household debt has grown, but with interest rates soaring, household finances are struggling," emphasizing, "All crises start from the government’s past debt. The household debt ratio relative to our economy was 83% at the start of the Moon Jae-in administration and rose to 98% at the end." He continued, "The Yoon administration has not pursued policies to stimulate the economy through fiscal spending, so after two years, the ratio has dropped from 98% to 92%," appealing, "There has never been a time when household debt has decreased relative to the size of the economy like this in history."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
