"Public Closely Watching, Careful Approach Needed"
Emphasizes Introduction of Legal Distortion Crime and Trial Petitions
On October 26, Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged individual lawmakers to refrain from making unexpected remarks regarding real estate policy.
At a general assembly of lawmakers held before the plenary session that day, Jeong stated, "Since the government is responsible for sensitive economic policies such as real estate policy, I believe the party should take half a step back and provide support in a low-key manner through necessary systems and measures."
He continued, "In particular, real estate policies related to the housing market are extremely sensitive and are being closely watched by the public. Therefore, I ask that individual lawmakers refrain as much as possible from making unexpected statements. I believe it is necessary to approach this with great care and warmth toward the public." This is interpreted as a directive to refrain from remarks, following confusion in the party over calls to ease or abolish the 'reconstruction excess profit recovery system' (Jaechohwan).
At the general assembly, Jeong also emphasized the need to introduce 'trial petitions' and the 'crime of legal distortion.' He said, "If a prosecutor manipulates an indictment by treating what exists as if it does not, or what does not exist as if it does, resulting in harm, the prosecutor is not held accountable. The same goes for judges." He added, "If there has been harm in the judiciary due to incorrect procedures or the application of the wrong law, I believe this lack of accountability needs to be addressed."
Regarding trial petitions, he said, "Courts can make mistakes, and as seen in the case of the People's Revolutionary Party, there can even be malicious cases. All laws are under the Constitution, so I believe it is time to have a serious discussion about this as well."
Meanwhile, in response to criticism that the National Assembly audit has become more about producing promotional videos than fulfilling its original purpose, he said, "I am watching everyone do their best in the audit through YouTube playback programs, and I want to commend you all."
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