Kim Tae-nyeon: "Choo Mi-ae, Not a Special Prosecutor Matter... Requests Opposition Party's Cooperation with Corruption Investigation Office" (Summary)

North Shooting Incident "Barbaric Act... Must Be Condemned"
Fair Economy 3 Laws "Will Accelerate Discussions"
Minister Kang Kyung-hwa's Husband Goes to US "Inappropriate Act"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 4th that regarding the People Power Party's demand for the introduction of a special prosecutor (special investigation) concerning allegations of preferential military service for the son of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, "The public will not view it favorably if this issue continues to be used as a tool for political strife," adding, "This is not a matter for a special prosecutor."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Kim said, "Various suspicions raised by the opposition party and the media have been cleared through prosecution investigations with no charges."

Regarding the shooting incident of the missing civil servant from Yeonpyeong Island by North Korea, Floor Leader Kim said, "The act of the North Korean military shooting an unarmed civilian is uncivilized and barbaric," adding, "Regardless of the reasons, it is an unacceptable act and must be condemned."

On the opposition party's demand for a hearing, Floor Leader Kim said, "It cannot be clarified by investigating only our military and government," and emphasized, "A joint investigation between South and North Korea is necessary to accurately ascertain the facts."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the meeting between Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, and Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the Democratic Party, at the National Foundation Day celebration, where they exchanged views on the Fair Economy 3 Acts and the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (PCA), Floor Leader Kim said, "I heard that (Chairman Kim) mentioned that the People Power Party will soon recommend members for the PCA recommendation committee, and then proceed with the Fair Economy 3 Acts."

Floor Leader Kim expressed hope that the discussions on the Fair Economy 3 Acts, which began in the 19th National Assembly, would be concluded in this regular session, stating, "We will listen to the opinions of the business community and civil society and accelerate discussions with the opposition party."

Regarding the PCA, Floor Leader Kim said, "The opposition party has pledged to recommend members for the PCA chief candidate recommendation committee," adding, "We are waiting for the recommendations as promised, but we cannot delay indefinitely."

On the visit of Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha's husband to the United States, Floor Leader Kim described it as "an inappropriate act." Regarding the nomination for next year's by-elections, he explained, "There are currently no discussions within the party."

Regarding the lowering of the major shareholder threshold for capital gains tax on stock transfers from the current 1 billion KRW to 300 million KRW, Floor Leader Kim said, "We are carefully listening to the various opinions and complaints of Donghak Ant investors," adding, "The party's policy committee and relevant standing committee members are conducting a thorough review. Through party-government consultations, it will be adjusted to an appropriate level."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, describing the National Foundation Day rally as a 'martial law declared due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19),' Floor Leader Kim said, "It seems to be an excessive expression," adding, "COVID-19 quarantine measures should be viewed and responded to as a quasi-war situation. The August 15 Gwanghwamun rally triggered the second large-scale outbreak, and the national costs and the suffering endured by the people were enormous."

Floor Leader Kim said, "The public demands a good-faith competition for people's livelihood, not political strife," and added, "We should continue the achievements of swiftly agreeing on livelihood bills such as the 4th supplementary budget, the Family Care Leave Extension Act, and the Commercial Lease Protection Act, and focus more on people's livelihood. We request the People Power Party to promptly activate the permanent consultative body among the ruling and opposition parties and the government."

Floor Leader Kim stated, "We will set four major agendas for this national audit: overcoming national crises, people's livelihood, future transition, and peace, and prepare thoroughly," adding, "After the audit, we will focus on three major legislative tasks for people's livelihood, future, and reform."

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