Kim Byungki: "We Will Enact Measures to Prevent Another Kim Hyungseok and Completely Block Parachute Appointments"

Democratic Party to Focus on Amending Independence Hall Act
and Public Institutions Management Act
Aiming to Restore Integrity and Block Parachute Appointments

Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 19th, "The Democratic Party will focus its efforts on amending the Independence Hall Act with a sense of historical mission and responsibility."

At the party's policy meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Floor Leader Kim said, "We will restore the Independence Hall, which has degenerated into a haven for traitors, into a proper institution that upholds the sacrifices of our patriotic forebears and the spirit of independence." He added, "We will establish legal measures to prevent another figure like Kim Hyungseok from emerging."

Previously, Assemblyman Lee Jungmoon and 12 other Democratic Party lawmakers proposed an amendment to the Independence Hall Act. The amendment would grant the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs the authority to immediately request the President to dismiss the director if violations of the articles of association or disruptions to the institution's operations occur.

The party also announced plans to prepare an amendment to the Public Institutions Management Act to align the terms of presidents of public institutions with the President's term, aiming to prevent so-called "parachute appointments." This move is interpreted as an effort to prevent cases like that of Director Kim, who was appointed in August last year and whose term is guaranteed until August 2027.

Kim Byungki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Policy Coordination Meeting held at the National Assembly on August 7, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Floor Leader Kim pointed out, "Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee have filled major public institutions with parachute appointees like Kim Hyungseok throughout their term. Since the declaration of martial law, 45 heads of public institutions have been appointed, most of whom, like Kim Hyungseok, have not undergone proper vetting for their qualifications, abilities, or even their sense of national responsibility."

He continued, "Incompetent and unfair appointees who merely occupy their positions hinder state affairs and harm the lives of the people. The Democratic Party will completely block such parachute appointments. We will ensure that the amendment to the Public Institutions Management Act, sponsored by Assemblyman Jung Ilyoung in July, passes in this regular session of the National Assembly."

He further added, "The key is to align the terms of the President and the heads of public institutions to strengthen accountability and transparency. We will establish a system so that public institutions work for the people and are operated with public trust."