Minister of Justice Absent During 'Special Prosecutor Bill Vote'... Speaker Woo Says "Disregard for the National Assembly"

On the 7th, Minister of Justice Park Seong-jae was reprimanded by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik as he left the plenary session after explaining the reasons for requesting reconsideration of the 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Act' at the National Assembly plenary session.

Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae is explaining the reason for requesting a reconsideration of the special investigation law on First Lady Kim Keon-hee at the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News

Before the re-vote on the Special Prosecutor Act that day, Minister Park explained the reasons for the reconsideration request from the podium, stating that "although the Special Prosecutor Act includes a provision for third-party recommendations, there is still a possibility of violating the principle of separation of powers."

During this process, loud protests erupted from opposition party lawmakers. Even after returning to his seat, Minister Park was seen seemingly engaged in a heated exchange with some opposition lawmakers.

Subsequently, the vote began. During the voting, Speaker Woo remarked, "It seems Minister Park has left his seat," and insisted that "a cabinet member who explained the agenda should not leave their seat," demanding that he return.

Minister Park did not return to the plenary session until the vote concluded.

Speaker Woo pointed out, "The Prime Minister was supposed to come today but was unable to, so Minister Park came instead," adding, "If that was the case, he should fulfill his responsibilities, but leaving in the middle like this is disrespectful to the people and to the representative institution of the people."

He continued, "A few days ago, I felt anger seeing the National Assembly trampled by military boots; cabinet members should not behave like this. It is arrogance," and said, "The National Assembly will take appropriate measures regarding today's failure to fulfill responsibilities."

Meanwhile, just before the plenary vote that day, Speaker Woo also read the National Assembly member's oath: "I solemnly swear before the people to uphold the Constitution, to strive for the freedom and welfare of the people and the peaceful reunification of the fatherland, and to faithfully perform the duties of a National Assembly member according to my conscience, prioritizing national interests."

It was interpreted that Speaker Woo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, indirectly encouraged the People Power Party lawmakers to participate in the vote on the 'impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol.'