Joo Jinwoo: "Opposition Party Should Hold Judiciary Committee Chair to Check Executive Branch"

Joo Jinwoo Calls for Judiciary Committee Chairmanship to Return to the Opposition
Emphasizes the Need for Checks and Balances and Restoration of Parliamentary Norms

Joo Jinwoo, Chairman of the Legal Advisory Committee of the People Power Party, urged on June 8, "The Democratic Party should return the chairmanship of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee and normalize the committee's operations."

On the morning of the same day, Rep. Joo posted on his Facebook page under the title "For Checks and Balances on the Executive Branch, the Judiciary Committee Chair Should Now Be Held by the Opposition Party," making this statement.

Rep. Joo Jinwoo, Chairman of the Legal Advisory Committee of the People Power Party Photo by Yonhap News

Rep. Joo stated, "Last year, the Democratic Party monopolized the chairmanships of both the Judiciary Committee and the Steering Committee, arguing that 'checks and balances on the executive branch by the legislature' were more important than 'parliamentary customs.' Throughout constitutional history, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chair of the Judiciary Committee have always been held by different parties to ensure mutual checks and balances."

He continued, "By disregarding this tradition, the Democratic Party has caused bipartisan cooperation to disappear, and important bills affecting people's livelihoods have not been properly deliberated. As the Democratic Party has previously argued, the National Assembly must be able to check and balance the executive branch."

He further stated, "With a Democratic Party Judiciary Committee Chair who merely rubber-stamps decisions, it is impossible to properly review bills or vet judicial appointments. The first task for the new administration is not just 'verbal unity,' but the 'normalization of the National Assembly.'"