"People Power Party Should Face Constitutional Dissolution Review"
"Proposes Amendment to Constitutional Court Act"
Assemblyman Chung Cheongrae, a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership election. Photo by Yonhap News
Jung Cheongrae, a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership, stated, "If I become party leader, I will immediately ensure that a parliamentary investigation into the Osong (Gungpyeong 2 Underpass) disaster in Cheongju is conducted."
Jung made these remarks to reporters during his visit to Cheongju on July 15, where he attended a memorial event in front of the North Chungcheong Provincial Government building marking the second anniversary of the Osong disaster.
He added, "I recently met with the bereaved families of the Osong disaster and made this promise. In consultation with them, I will do my utmost to ensure that a parliamentary investigation is conducted to the extent they desire."
Regarding the fact that, on July 12 during the disaster's second anniversary memorial week, Governor Kim Younghwan of North Chungcheong Province and some Cheongju city council members attended a drinking gathering, Jung emphasized, "Those who are not free from responsibility for the disaster should never inflict further pain on the bereaved families."
Jung also announced that he has proposed an amendment to the Constitutional Court Act, which would allow for the dissolution of political parties to be discussed through a resolution of the National Assembly. He said, "In the past, the Unified Progressive Party was dissolved solely on charges of conspiracy to commit insurrection. Shouldn't the People Power Party, which has committed acts a hundred or a thousand times more serious, namely high treason, be subject to a constitutional petition for dissolution as an unconstitutional party?"
He continued, "The proposed amendment to the Constitutional Court Act stipulates that, if there is a resolution by the National Assembly, the Cabinet may deliberate and then file a petition with the Constitutional Court for the dissolution of an unconstitutional party. Even if the National Assembly itself cannot become a petitioner, the intent is that, with a parliamentary resolution, the Cabinet should deliberate this matter with greater seriousness."
In addition, Jung pledged support for key issues in North Chungcheong Province, including the construction of a civilian runway to revitalize Cheongju International Airport, the relocation of Cheongju Prison, the establishment of an industrial cluster utilizing the multi-purpose synchrotron radiation accelerator, and the Miho River Clean Water Project.
Regarding the so-called "Chungbuk neglect theory," which arose because no North Chungcheong native was included in the first cabinet of the Lee Jaemyung administration, Jung said, "It is not a situation where one should comment on presidential appointments." However, he added, "If I become party leader, I will strive to ensure that National Assembly members from North Chungcheong Province are appointed to key party positions."
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