Joo Ho-young's Request to the United Party: "Please Refrain from Expressing Opinions on the Administrative Capital Relocation for the Time Being"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Regarding the issue of relocating the administrative capital, which is being promoted mainly by the ruling party, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, has taken internal control measures by requesting, "Please refrain from expressing opinions for the time being." This appears to be because some lawmakers are voicing opinions different from the party's stance on the relocation of the administrative capital.

At a members' meeting held at the National Assembly main building on the 23rd, Floor Leader Joo said, "The Democratic Party of Korea is raising issues daily to shift the focus and is creating debates on public broadcasting to draw public attention in that direction, so I hope we keep that in mind."

He added, "It seems chaotic with one issue after another breaking out in the Democratic Party?skyrocketing housing prices in the metropolitan area, larvae in tap water in Incheon, the Park Won-soon sexual harassment case, and the Seoul Prosecutor's Office cover-up incident. To change the situation, they have brought up the administrative capital relocation. I believe many citizens now understand why the Democratic Party suddenly raised this issue, but please be careful not to hastily engage in that debate and let the Democratic Party's failures be covered up."

He continued, "There will be separate opportunities to discuss Sejong City later, and we will assist in making Sejong City a self-sufficient city. However, regarding the administrative capital relocation issue, the Constitutional Court pointed out its unconstitutionality 16 years ago, so moving the Blue House and the National Assembly requires resolving the issue of violating the customary constitution ruling before further discussions can proceed."

Floor Leader Joo said, "Lawmakers may have different opinions on the administrative capital relocation, but refraining from expressing opinions for the time being will prevent us from falling into the Democratic Party's intention to shift the issue. I hope we avoid creating controversies as much as possible."

He also said, "Many lawmakers are working hard on the hearings, but on social network services (SNS), there are criticisms about the lack of teamwork and intensity among lawmakers. Considering such criticisms, please do your best in the remaining hearings. We have declared that we will refrain from outside protests and fight within the National Assembly as much as possible, so it would be problematic if people say, 'Is that all you can do?'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.