The Political Affairs Committee Adjourns Shortly After Opening
The National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee immediately adjourned after opening a state audit targeting the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the Personal Information Protection Commission. The opposition party protested, claiming that Jeong Seung-yoon, the Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, made threatening remarks toward the National Assembly.
On the 8th, during the Political Affairs Committee audit held in Sejong City, Democratic Party lawmaker Yoo Dong-su questioned Vice Chairman Jeong, saying, "According to the minutes of the Anti-Corruption Commission's plenary meeting on the 9th of last month, you said you would file lawsuits against all opposition lawmakers who reported you. Did you say you would do so once your resignation letter is accepted?" Vice Chairman Jeong replied, "Yes."
Opposition lawmakers immediately reacted. They argued that Vice Chairman Jeong's statement about taking legal action against opposition lawmakers amounted to intimidation of the National Assembly. Democratic Party lawmaker Park Sang-hyuk said, "Vice Chairman Jeong officially admitted to making remarks that intimidate and threaten the constitutionally established National Assembly. This issue is not only a fundamental threat to the National Assembly but also a challenge to the people's representative institution." Additionally, Democratic Party lawmaker Cheon Jun-ho and Jo Guk Innovation Party lawmaker Shin Jang-sik demanded that Yoon Han-hong, the chairman of the Political Affairs Committee from the People Power Party, issue a warning to Vice Chairman Jeong.
However, Chairman Yoon responded, "Stop it. National Assembly members are not omnipotent, and Vice Chairman Jeong is also human," adding, "We need to consider it from that perspective." When lawmaker Cheon continued to raise his voice, Chairman Yoon said, "Lawmaker Cheon, please leave. Shouldn't we proceed with the meeting?"
Ultimately, the Political Affairs Committee audit was suspended less than 30 minutes after it began. Even after the adjournment, verbal disputes between ruling and opposition lawmakers continued. When lawmaker Cheon raised his voice, asking, "Does (Vice Chairman Jeong's statement) make any sense?" Chairman Yoon retorted, "It does! Lawmaker Cheon, aren't you a beneficiary of helicopter transport privileges and a conflict of interest related to Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung?" Lawmaker Cheon immediately demanded an apology from Chairman Yoon. Chairman Yoon left the audit venue without offering any apology.
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