Kim Taenyeon Rejects Joo Ho-young's Counterproposal: "No Need to Argue Over Order of CIO and Special Inspector"

Kim Taenyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Democratic Party of Korea policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo doso7@

[Asia Economy, reporter Kang Nahum] Kim Taenyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, effectively rejected the counterproposal by Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, to prioritize the appointment of a special inspector for the Blue House on the 10th. Kim stated, "It is neither important nor meaningful to argue about which should come first between the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the appointment of a special inspector."

At the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Kim said, "The opposition's concerns about recommending a special inspector can be addressed by following the legally prescribed procedures, just as in the 2015 appointment case of former special inspector Lee Seoksoo."

He continued, "The opposition is hesitant to agree to my proposal to resolve both the CIO and the special inspector issue together, even using the word 'trap.' I accepted the opposition's demand to resolve both issues simultaneously because I believe it is the most certain way to address these longstanding matters. I do not understand why the opposition is reacting this way."

He added, "If there is the will, it is possible to find countless solutions in a single day. I once again propose that we proceed simultaneously with the formation of the CIO director candidate recommendation committee and the recommendation of the special inspector. I urge the opposition to respond to my proposal as soon as possible, at least to ensure that the National Assembly abides by the law."

Kim also commented on the allegations of preferential treatment during the military service of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's son. This was Kim's first official statement regarding Minister Choo. He said, "There have been indiscriminate revelations and unverified allegations regarding Minister Choo. It is not desirable for social controversy to grow based on unverified suspicions."

He added, "I hope the prosecution will conduct a fair and swift investigation into the allegations raised and announce the results exactly as they are."

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