On January 15, the National Assembly entered the process of voting on a comprehensive special prosecutor bill that calls for additional investigations into areas insufficiently addressed by the three previous special prosecutor cases. The People Power Party, in alliance with the Reform Party, launched an unlimited debate (filibuster) to oppose the passage of the special prosecutor bill. However, it is expected that the debate will be ended at the initiative of the Democratic Party of Korea on the afternoon of January 16, after which the bill will be put to a vote. Chun Haram, the floor leader of the Reform Party, who has been cooperating with the People Power Party on the special prosecutor bill, was the first to take the podium for the filibuster.
On this day, the National Assembly presented the "Act on the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor for the Investigation into the Facts of Insurrection, Treason, and Abuse of State Power by Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Keon-hee" at the plenary session. The amendment covers issues that were insufficiently addressed in the three previous special prosecutor cases (Kim Keon-hee, Insurrection, Chae Haebyeong) as well as additional suspicions that emerged during the investigation process.
The scope of the special prosecutor's investigation includes cases related to the 12·3 Martial Law involving charges of insurrection and treason, as well as a wide range of alleged election and power abuse scandals surrounding former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife. It also covers suspicions related to the so-called "Noh Sangwon Notebook."
The People Power Party has consistently opposed the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, arguing that it is being used as a tool to suppress the opposition ahead of the local elections. Before the bill was introduced, People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk began a hunger strike in front of the National Assembly's main chamber, demanding a special prosecutor for the "nomination fund scandal" involving lawmakers Kim Byungki and Kang Sunwoo, as well as a special prosecutor for the "Unification Church scandal" involving Jeon Jaesoo and others.
During the filibuster, Floor Leader Chun criticized the second comprehensive special prosecutor, stating, "What we need now is not a second special prosecutor to repeatedly investigate the wrongdoings of former powers, but a special prosecutor to root out corruption among those in power today, such as the Unification Church scandal and the nomination fund scandal." He questioned, "There is no reason to fear investigating the wrongdoings of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, and there is nothing to lose by applauding the authorities if they do well, so why do we need a special prosecutor?"
He also expressed concerns about the waste of investigative manpower and budget resulting from the second comprehensive special prosecutor. Chun stated, "It is said that more than 15 billion won (approximately 150 billion won) will be required for the special prosecutor. An enormous number of police, prosecutors, and other investigative agencies will be mobilized," adding, "If all investigative resources are diverted to the special prosecutor, there will inevitably be a gap in handling civil and ordinary citizens' cases."
He further criticized, "Even though there are more efficient and cost-saving alternatives, such as establishing a joint investigation team, pushing ahead unconditionally with a second special prosecutor is merely catering to the demands of fervent supporters."
During Floor Leader Chun's filibuster, the Democratic Party of Korea submitted a request to the National Assembly to end the debate. Accordingly, a vote to end the debate will be held on the afternoon of January 16, after which the special prosecutor bill will be put to a vote.
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