Kwon Seong-dong on Forcing the Special Investigation Law on Sedition: "Democratic Party Intends to Make the People Potential Investigation Targets"

People Power Party Lawmakers Walk Out in Protest as Special Prosecutor Bill Passes Judiciary Committee
Kwon Seong-dong: "How Can Loudspeakers to North Korea Be Considered Foreign Exchange Crimes?"
Urges Party Members to Maintain Caution in Attitude and Speech
Despite Rising Support, Says "Public Wants Us to Stop Lee Jae-myung's Reckless Actions"

On the 13th, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized the opposition-led Special Investigation Act on Treason and Foreign Exchange Crimes, which passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session, saying, "It is an attempt to create another prosecution office under the Democratic Party and make the entire nation potential subjects of investigation."

In his opening remarks at the party meeting held at the National Assembly that afternoon, Floor Leader Kwon said, "With the magical phrase of charges of treasonous propaganda and incitement, they intend to scrutinize all communications, texts, and KakaoTalk messages of ordinary citizens. It is obvious that all 108 members of our party will become subjects of investigation."

Earlier, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a plenary session in the morning and approved the Special Investigation Act on Treason and Foreign Exchange Crimes, which stipulates that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recommends candidates for the special prosecutor. The People Power Party opposed the opposition's unilateral handling of the special investigation law and abstained from the vote. Regarding this, Representative Kwon pointed out, "The Democratic Party introduced the Special Investigation Act on Treason and Foreign Exchange Crimes just one day after the final rejection of the treason special investigation law. They passed this bill in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee today and plan to forcibly pass it in the plenary session this week. The fact that the bill was introduced just one day after rejection and passed within a week itself is evidence of hasty legislation."

He also strongly opposed including foreign exchange inducement crimes as subjects of investigation under the special investigation law. Floor Leader Kwon said, "How can loudspeakers and leaflets sent to North Korea be subjects of foreign exchange crime investigations? This echoes the absurd argument of the Kim Jong-un regime that provocations by North Korea were caused by the South Korean government." He continued, "Furthermore, foreign exchange crimes are offenses related to patriotism under the Constitution, but investigating relations with North Korea as foreign exchange crimes aligns with Kim Jong-un's hostile two-state theory. The idea of investigating foreign exchange crimes through a special prosecutor reveals Representative Lee Jae-myung's dangerous stance toward North Korea and fully exposes his identity."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

However, he also mentioned that resolving controversies surrounding investigations during martial law makes a special investigation law inevitable. Floor Leader Kwon explained, "Through today's party meeting, we will gather members' opinions on the special investigation law on martial law that aligns with the purpose and principles of the special investigation system and seek alternatives for more orderly investigations."

Regarding recent opinion polls showing a rise in support for the People Power Party, he said, "The public's support does not mean they think our party is doing well. It is closer to a reprimand and a plea to unite efforts to set the country right. It is a desperate appeal to create a proper nation against the reckless actions of the Lee Jae-myung faction threatening the Republic of Korea."

Floor Leader Kwon urged party members to maintain a humble attitude, exercise cautious speech, and actively respond to the media. He said, "This is a critical turning point in public opinion. Depending on how we respond, support rates can continue to consolidate and rise or fall again. At such an important time, active responses to the media are essential. Please make efforts to explain our party's stance on major political issues in detail through broadcasting, newspapers, YouTube, and social networking services (SNS) without discrimination."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min