Yoon's Final Deliberation on Veto Timing for 'Kim Yeo-sa Special Prosecutor Act'... "Refrain from Immediate Exercise"

Possibility of Veto Exercise as Early as Today
Democratic Party "Considering Measures to Delay Reconsideration Timing"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is in the final stages of deliberation over the timing of exercising his veto power regarding the special prosecution law for his wife, Kim Geon-hee. The presidential office firmly believes that the special prosecution law contains many unconstitutional elements, but with public support for the law exceeding 60%, they are reportedly being cautious about when to exercise the veto.

On the same day, the government held a cabinet meeting at the Government Seoul Office Building, chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and resolved the agenda to request reconsideration of the special prosecution law for Mrs. Kim.

A presidential office official stated, "President Yoon can exercise his veto within 15 days from the day after the bill is transmitted, which is by the 29th," adding, "Since there is still time left, we understand that the veto will be exercised at an appropriate time."

Given President Yoon's firm intention, the prevailing view is that the veto may be exercised as early as today. However, there is an internal sentiment to refrain from immediate veto exercise to avoid public backlash.

If the veto is exercised, the special prosecution law for Mrs. Kim will become the 25th bill sent back to the National Assembly since President Yoon took office.

The special prosecution law for Mrs. Kim has passed the National Assembly three times this year alone. It passed the plenary session in the 21st National Assembly but was discarded in February after President Yoon requested reconsideration and the National Assembly re-voted. The same process was repeated in the 22nd National Assembly, and the bill was discarded again after being rejected in a re-vote on the 4th of last month.

This special prosecution law targets investigations into allegations of Mrs. Kim's involvement in stock manipulation of Deutsche Motors and suspicions related to Myung Tae-gyun. It stipulates that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recommends special prosecution candidates, but the opposition party has a 'veto right' to request re-nomination.

If President Yoon approves the reconsideration request, the special prosecution law will return to the National Assembly for a re-vote.

With President Yoon's exercise of veto power, for the re-vote to pass, a majority of the total members (300) must be present, and at least two-thirds (200) of those present must vote in favor. Unless there are more than eight dissenting votes from the 108 seats held by the People Power Party, the bill will be rejected and discarded again. The presidential office places weight on the expectation that no additional dissenting votes will emerge, as President Yoon has recently accepted some of People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon's calls for reform and is embracing change.

The Democratic Party initially planned to proceed with the re-vote in the plenary session on the 28th if President Yoon exercised his veto, but they are now actively considering delaying the timing of the re-vote.

Floor spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung told reporters, "It has not been decided whether the re-vote on the special prosecution law will take place at the plenary session on the 28th," adding, "The timing may be delayed, but the party's stance is still undecided."

A Democratic Party official said, "President Yoon's veto exercise has been delayed more than expected," and "there are opinions questioning the need to rush the re-vote." It is reported that there is a view that the re-vote should be held at a time when maximum dissenting votes can be drawn from the ruling party, especially as internal divisions within the People Power Party have become apparent due to the 'party member bulletin board controversy.' Regarding this, spokesperson Kang added, "There are also many opinions that we should proceed steadily according to principle regardless of the ruling party's situation," and "At present, it is difficult to say that the stance has tilted toward either proceeding as scheduled or postponing."

If the floor leadership decides to delay, the vote is expected to take place at a plenary session held on either the 2nd or 10th of next month.