Kim Tae-nyeon: "Audit Board Controversy, Self-Serving Political Struggle... People Power Party Must Stop Wasteful Debate"

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the economic situation review meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the controversy over the appropriateness of the early shutdown of Wolseong Unit 1 as "an attempt to twist the Board of Audit and Inspection's findings for political strife."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 21st, Floor Leader Kim said, "The Board of Audit and Inspection's audit only examined the economic feasibility evaluation, which is one of the various judgment factors related to the closure of Wolseong Unit 1," and added, "The Board of Audit and Inspection clearly stated that the audit results cannot be seen as a comprehensive judgment on Wolseong Unit 1."

He continued, "The early shutdown of Wolseong Unit 1 was a result of a comprehensive judgment including not only economic feasibility but also safety and residents' acceptance," pointing out, "Frequent breakdowns and performance issues caused continuous controversy, and lawsuits demanding collective relocation of residents due to anxiety over the aging nuclear power plant also continued."

He then said, "We must stop the fruitless debate over Wolseong Unit 1," and criticized, "The People Power Party should stop attempting to twist the Board of Audit and Inspection's findings for political strife."

He also reaffirmed that if the People Power Party does not recommend candidates for the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, or CPO) recommendation committee by the 26th, they will push forward with amendments to the CPO Act.

Floor Leader Kim said, "The Democratic Party has been patient and accommodating for over three months to ensure the smooth launch of the CPO and has respected the opposition party," and added, "Now, we hope they will stop stalling and clearly state their position on whether they will appoint recommendation committee members or not. I reiterate that after the 26th, we will begin the legislative amendment process."

Regarding the 75th Police Day, he expressed, "I deeply appreciate and encourage the hard work of the police," and said, "With the passage of the bill adjusting investigative authority between the prosecution and police, police autonomy in investigations will increase starting next year. I hope you will strive even more to become the people's police with great responsibility commensurate with the growing authority." He added, "The Police Act amendment bill, which includes the autonomous police system and the National Investigation Headquarters, is a legislative task for the National Assembly," and said, "We will carry out reforms of power institutions without setbacks."

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