Scope and Method of Special Prosecutor Investigation to Be Adjusted After Bill Submission
Disagreement Over Coupang Hearing Remains... Further Discussions Scheduled for Tomorrow
On December 22, it was announced that the ruling and opposition parties have each introduced their own special prosecutor bills to investigate allegations of financial support from the Unification Church to political circles, and have agreed to continue discussions on the matter.
On this day, Kim Byungki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, Moon Jinseok, Deputy Floor Leader for Operations, Song Eonseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, and Kim Eunhye, Deputy Floor Leader for Policy, met at the National Assembly in Yeouido and reached this agreement.
After the meeting, Deputy Floor Leader for Operations Moon told reporters, "We have agreed that each party will submit its own special prosecutor bill regarding the Unification Church, and that we will coordinate to implement it swiftly."
Regarding this, Deputy Floor Leader for Policy Kim stated, "We have already discussed the (special prosecutor) bill with the Reform Party, and compromises are currently being made, so we could introduce the bill as early as tomorrow. We hope to complete the consultation process with the Democratic Party within the year so that the special prosecutor for the Unification Church can proceed."
The discussion on the Unification Church special prosecutor gained significant momentum as the Democratic Party abruptly accepted the People Power Party's demand. However, a tug-of-war is expected between the parties over issues such as the right to recommend special prosecutor candidates.
The two parties showed differences in their positions regarding the joint hearing on Coupang. They agreed to meet again on the 23rd to make a decision. Previously, the Democratic Party announced that the Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, the Political Affairs Committee, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, the Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee, and the Planning and Finance Committee would hold a joint hearing on December 30-31.
On this, Deputy Floor Leader for Operations Moon said, "The People Power Party believes that enough hearings have already been held and that holding another is inappropriate, and that government measures to provide relief to victims are necessary. However, our party (the Democratic Party) believes that hearings have not been sufficient and that a joint hearing is needed to get to the bottom of the issue."
He added, "The People Power Party's position is to form a special committee and conduct a parliamentary investigation. We have agreed to meet again tomorrow to discuss this issue."
Deputy Floor Leader for Policy Kim stated, "What is most needed right now is an immediate response from the government for the people. To ensure a thorough investigation of the facts and prevent recurrence, the People Power Party's position is that, if necessary, we should not hold a perfunctory hearing but instead conduct a proper parliamentary investigation."
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