"Live Broadcast of Meeting with Representative Lee Jae-myung Is Not Unpleasant"
"Party Policy to Promote Revision of the Anti-Spy Law and Revival of National Intelligence Service's Counterintelligence Authority"
Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, said upon hearing the news that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office had concluded the case regarding First Lady Kim Geon-hee's alleged receipt of luxury bags with no charges, "The prosecution must have made a judicial decision based on facts and legal principles." His response is interpreted as a principled answer due to the burden of expressing personal opinions on the prosecution's decision of no charges.
On the 21st, Han met with reporters at the National Assembly and responded this way when asked whether he thought the prosecution's decision of no charges against First Lady Kim was a decision that met the public's expectations. He added, "I haven't looked at the reports in detail."
Regarding his proposal to broadcast live the scheduled meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, on the 25th, he explained, "I don't think it would be unpleasant for the public to see the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties having a conversation," and added, "Didn't the Democratic Party say they would pursue new politics? I think it is not unpleasant but rather a good thing for the public to see the discussion process and how the two leaders view the issues." When asked whether he would propose the Cha Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act, which recommends a special prosecutor by a third party, at the meeting with Lee, he said, "There is no agenda restriction for the meeting."
Han also revealed his party's policy to push for the revision of the National Security Act and the restoration of the National Intelligence Service's counterintelligence investigative authority. When asked about his attendance at a debate on the revision of the National Security Act hosted by Jang Dong-hyuk, a Supreme Council member of the party, he said, "Foreign spies are not considered spies, but only North Koreans are treated as spies," and added, "This is a huge loophole compared to other countries. Discussions to fill this gap have been ongoing for over 20 years, but no results have been achieved yet. We must achieve results." He continued, "It doesn't seem that the Democratic Party opposes the revision. I am urging for its passage," and emphasized, "Passing this alone won't improve the situation. The restoration of the National Intelligence Service's counterintelligence investigative authority must accompany it to truly prevent spies."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
