Democratic Party Sets Prosecution Reform Timeline... "Caucus on 22nd to Gather Lawmakers' Opinions"

Aiming to Gather Opinions Before January 26 Legislative Notice
However, Not Bound by the Legislative Notice Deadline

The Democratic Party of Korea plans to hold a policy caucus on January 22 to continue discussions on prosecution reform. The party also intends to consolidate its official stance on the revised bill by the government’s legislative notice deadline of January 26.

Baek Seungah, Floor Spokesperson for the Democratic Party, told reporters after the floor strategy meeting that, "Today, we are holding a general assembly in the form of a public hearing with expert discussions," and added, "Since it is difficult to gather all the lawmakers’ opinions, we plan to hold another caucus on the 22nd." She further stated, "We will seek an answer that reflects the diverse perspectives of our lawmakers," and clarified, "The caucus on the 22nd is not for ratification, but rather to continue in-depth deliberations."

Previously, the government had announced January 26 as the deadline for the legislative notice of the Prosecution Office Act and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office Act. When asked whether a revised bill could be prepared before the legislative notice deadline, Floor Spokesperson Baek responded, "Our goal is to conclude discussions before then, but we will have to see how the talks proceed."

Byungdo Han, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on January 20, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Moon Geumjoo, Floor Spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, "Democratic Party Leader Jeong Cheongrae has stated that we will continue thorough deliberations without being constrained by the legislative notice deadline, so we will gather opinions and create a perfect proposal."

Meanwhile, regarding the confirmation hearing for Minister of Budget and Planning nominee Lee Hyehoon, the Democratic Party maintains that negotiations are ongoing. Floor Spokesperson Baek said, "It is unprecedented in the history of the National Assembly for a confirmation hearing to be boycotted despite an agreed schedule," and added, "We are insisting that the confirmation hearing continue today as well, as it is still possible to hold it."