In Response to Opposition's Protest Over Special Prosecutor Bills, Presidential Office Says "Resolute Punishment Is the Only Way for the December 3 Illegal Martial Law"

Effectively Rejects Opposition's Call for Presidential Veto

On September 12, the Presidential Office issued a statement regarding the People Power Party's submission of a request for reconsideration of the three major special prosecutor bill amendments to Political Secretary Kim Byungwook. The statement read, "The illegal emergency martial law and insurrection that occurred on December 3 last year are acts that destroy the rule of law and cannot be tolerated. Only resolute punishment can uphold the Republic of Korea as a democratic republic."

Yonhap News Agency

Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, made this announcement in a written briefing following the People Power Party's protest visit to the Presidential Office on the same day. The People Power Party has criticized the three major special prosecutor bills led by the Democratic Party of Korea and has insisted that the President exercise his right to request reconsideration. The written briefing is interpreted as an effective rejection of this demand.

Nevertheless, Spokesperson Kang added, "The Presidential Office remains open to listening to a variety of opinions," and stated, "The request for reconsideration will be delivered to the President after consultation with the Chief Secretary's office." She further said, "We appreciate the effort you made to visit the Presidential Office to submit your petition and share your views."