Choi Sang-mok "Requesting bipartisan agreement on special prosecutor law... Will resolve conflict between Corruption Investigation Office and Security Office"

Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also the Minister of Economy and Finance, is presiding over the 'Major Issue Resolution Meeting (Social Sector 1)' held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News

Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Economy and Finance, said on the 10th, "I hope the ruling and opposition parties will agree to establish a special prosecution law without any unconstitutional elements," adding, "I believe the extreme confrontation between the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the Security Office will naturally be resolved."

Acting President Choi stated in a press release that afternoon, "It is heartbreaking to see the unprecedented situation where the CIO and the Security Office are in severe conflict over the execution of an arrest warrant for the incumbent head of state undergoing impeachment trial, causing considerable anxiety and distress among the people."

He added, "The government has been contemplating wise solutions to prevent such a situation from continuing, but unfortunately, under the current legal framework, it is difficult to find an exit to the conflict between the two agencies."

He continued, "For the credibility of the Republic of Korea to be maintained, all matters must be resolved through discussion and agreement, following democratic procedures," and added, "That is also the way to restore constitutional order."