Extension of Investigation Periods and Expanded Scope
Increased Number of Dispatched Prosecutors and Officials
Kim Keon Hee Special Prosecutor to Include "Kwanbonggwon Band" Evidence Concealment Allegations
People Power Party: "Chairwoman Choo’s Arbitrary Conduct"
On August 26, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee at the National Assembly introduced and began a full review of amendments to the special prosecutor laws (so-called "three major special prosecutors" covering insurrection, Kim Keon Hee, and the death-in-the-line-of-duty Marine cases), which would extend the investigation periods and expand both the manpower and scope of the investigations. The ruling party led the introduction of these bills, prompting People Power Party lawmakers to collectively walk out in protest.
On the 26th, at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Chairwoman Choo Mi Ae is striking the gavel. Photo by Yonhap News
The Legislation and Judiciary Committee convened a plenary session that day, introduced the three major special prosecutor law amendments, and referred them to the first subcommittee for bill review.
The special prosecutor law amendments introduced that day were sponsored separately by the Democratic Party’s Special Committee for Comprehensive Response to the Three Major Special Prosecutors, as well as Assemblymen Kim Yongmin, Seo Youngkyo, and Lee Sungyun. The committee plans to merge and review these bills together.
The three amendments submitted by the Special Committee for Comprehensive Response to the Three Major Special Prosecutors were filed with the National Assembly’s legislative office on the morning of August 26.
According to the amendments, for the insurrection special prosecutor law, the maximum number of dispatched prosecutors would be increased from 60 to 70, and the cap on dispatched public officials would be raised from 100 to 140. For indictments handled by military prosecutors or prosecutors, the amendments stipulate that prosecution should be maintained under the direction and supervision of the special prosecutor, regardless of whether the case is transferred. Dispatched prosecutors would also be able to maintain prosecutions under the special prosecutor’s direction. The existing provision allowing a single 30-day extension of the investigation period would be revised to allow two separate 30-day extensions. A new provision would also allow for reduced or exempted sentences for those who voluntarily surrender or report the crime.
For the Kim Keon Hee special prosecutor law, new suspicions uncovered during the investigation, as well as complaints and accusations against First Lady Kim Keon Hee and her associates, would be added to the scope of the investigation. Cases involving alleged evidence concealment by investigative agencies related to the "Kwanbonggwon band" and allegations of management interference and suppression by Kim Keon Hee and her associates at MBC and YTN would also be explicitly included. The number of dispatched prosecutors would be increased from 40 to 70, dispatched public officials from 80 to 140, and the number of assistant special prosecutors would be expanded to six. Similarly, if the special prosecutor cannot complete the investigation within the designated period, the period may be extended twice.
For the death-in-the-line-of-duty Marine special prosecutor law, new suspicions uncovered during the investigation and complaints and accusations against the First Lady and her associates would be added to the scope of the investigation, and both the investigation period and manpower would be expanded.
On the 26th, Chu Mi Ae, the chairperson, is speaking at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
The Democratic Party insists that passing the amendments to the special prosecutor laws in the National Assembly is essential for a thorough investigation. However, the People Power Party criticized the proceedings, claiming that Chairwoman Choo Mi Ae, a member of the Democratic Party, conducted the session unilaterally.
Park Juntae, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, argued, "The amendments to the special prosecutor laws are an attempt by the Democratic Party to tailor the investigations to their liking. It is like handing a club to someone already beating another person and telling them to hit harder. This is a form of political violence."
The People Power Party members of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee released a statement demanding, "Chairwoman Choo must apologize to the People Power Party members of the committee and to the public for her arbitrary conduct, and promise to prevent a recurrence." They also announced that they are considering filing a complaint against Chairwoman Choo with the National Assembly’s Ethics Committee to highlight the seriousness of the procedural issues.
Kim Yongmin, the Democratic Party’s secretary for the committee, said, "After launching the special prosecutor, we now see just how many crimes former President Yoon Suk Yeol and others have committed. They have caused rot and decay throughout the Republic of Korea." He continued, "The People Power Party should reflect, take the lead in amending the special prosecutor laws to ensure a thorough investigation, and declare that they will break with the past." He added, "In today’s opposition party convention, the party has become the ‘Return to Insurrection Party.’ With the election of a leader who follows the claims of Jeon Hangil, an extreme right-wing figure, it seems the party crossed the river of insurrection only to return again."
Meanwhile, at the committee’s plenary session that day, non-controversial bills such as amendments to the Capital Markets and Financial Investment Services Act and the Act on the Honorable Treatment and Organization of Veterans were passed. These bills are expected to be addressed at the plenary session on August 27.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
