Kim Moon-su: "'Yeosun Incident Act Amendment' Passed in National Assembly Plenary Session"

Investigation Period Extended Up to 2 Years... Special Reconsideration Request Possible

Assemblyman Kim Moon-soo.

Kim Moon-soo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, and Gurye-gab in Jeonnam), stated on the 10th, “In the serious situation of President Yoon Seok-yeol’s administration facing charges of rebellion and impeachment, it is fortunate that the passage of the ‘Yeosu-Suncheon Incident Act Amendment’ in the National Assembly plenary session has extended the investigation period, allowing us to move closer to uncovering the complete truth.”

With the passage of the amendment, the legally mandated investigation period, which had expired on October 5th, has been extended by one year, and if necessary, there is now a legal basis to extend it by an additional year. This secures up to two additional years for investigation, enabling the continuation of truth-finding efforts that were at risk of being halted. Furthermore, a new legal provision has been established allowing for a ‘special retrial’ to be requested in cases where victims, who were previously unable to file for retrial, have objective evidence confirming criminal punishment related to the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident.

Additionally, as a measure to prevent historical distortion, the amendment stipulates that political neutrality and objectivity must be prioritized when forming the committee, including a provision that four members recommended by the National Assembly be included. The truth report is to be submitted to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly to enhance fairness and accountability, and the deadline for its preparation can be extended by up to six months if necessary.

After being elected to the 22nd National Assembly, Representative Kim proposed the formation of a Yeosu-Suncheon Incident Special Committee within the Democratic Party. Shortly after the opening of the session, he took the lead in revising the law by representing the ‘Yeosu-Suncheon Incident Act Amendment,’ which included extending the investigation period, and as vice-chairman of the Democratic Party’s Yeosu-Suncheon Special Committee, he organized meetings and forums with bereaved families and local civil society.

Representative Kim emphasized, “With the secured investigation period for the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident, there is now breathing room. Through communication with the Democratic Party’s Yeosu-Suncheon Special Committee, bereaved families, and local civil society, I will monitor to ensure the government actively pursues a complete truth investigation,” adding, “We will also continue to push forward with future legislative tasks.”