Uncertain Fate for Unification Church Special Prosecutor Bill... Kim Byung-ki's Resignation Casts Doubt on Early-Year Legislation

Differences Remain Over Nominee Recommendation and Scope of Investigation
Attention on Jang Dong-hyuk's Response Amid Kim Byung-ki's Resignation
Conflict Over Special Prosecutor Bill Expected to Continue Into Early Next Year

The ongoing standoff between the ruling and opposition parties has resulted in the failure to pass the Unification Church special prosecutor bill within the year. With the Democratic Party of Korea now facing a leadership vacuum in the National Assembly, it remains uncertain whether the two parties will be able to accelerate legislative efforts at the beginning of next year.

On December 30, the National Assembly was unable to put the Unification Church special prosecutor bill on the agenda during its final plenary session of the year. This was due to continued deadlock, as the parties failed to narrow their differences regarding the scope of the investigation.

Kim Byungki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (left), and Moon Jinseok, Deputy Floor Leader for Operations, are heading to the National Assembly Steering Committee Chairman's office on the 23rd for a meeting with Song Eonseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, and Yoo Sangbeom, Deputy Floor Leader for Operations. Photo by Yonhap News

The floor leadership of both parties met again on December 29 to discuss the scope of the investigation, but were unable to find common ground. The Democratic Party insists that the special prosecutor's mandate should also include allegations related to Shincheonji, arguing that the root of collusion between religion and politics must be eradicated. However, the People Power Party maintains its opposition, calling this a "politically motivated attempt to dilute the issue," and refuses to accept the proposal.

The level of response, including the hunger strike by People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, is expected to be a critical turning point for the handling of the Unification Church special prosecutor bill going forward. The Democratic Party has stated that if an agreement is not reached by January 8, when the December extraordinary session ends, it will move to pass the bill unilaterally. However, with the possibility of a joint hunger strike by Leader Jang and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, being discussed, there is speculation that the Democratic Party may be reluctant to push ahead alone, and that the current stalemate may continue for some time.

The resignation of Kim Byung-ki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, is another variable. On December 30, Leader Jang emphasized, "Anyone seeking to run for floor leader of the Democratic Party must clearly state how they intend to handle the Unification Church Gate special prosecutor bill and whether they are willing to accept it." As the Democratic Party has decided to hold a by-election for the next floor leader on January 11 next year, there are concerns that negotiations may be hampered until then.