Go Young-in, Representative Sponsor of the Resolution to Disclose 'Sewol Ferry President's Property'... "Will Discuss with Joo Ho-young"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] 140 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties jointly proposed a resolution to disclose presidential records related to the Sewol ferry disaster.

On the 10th, Go Young-in, a Democratic Party lawmaker (Ansan Danwon Gap), took the lead in proposing the "Request for Submission of Presidential Records Related to the Sewol Ferry by the Park Geun-hye Blue House."

The resolution calls for the National Archives to allow inspection, submission of copies, and disclosure of documents and lists produced or received by the Presidential Secretariat, Security Office, and National Security Office from immediately after the Sewol ferry disaster until before the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. It also includes direct orders issued by former President Park to the Blue House and related ministries, as well as instructions given to senior officials in the Presidential Secretariat, Security Office, and National Security Office.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Office that morning with bereaved families and co-sponsoring lawmakers, Go said, "Although the Sewol ferry investigation team within the prosecution, responsible for the investigation, obtained warrants twice to verify the presidential records at the time, disclosure beyond the investigation purpose was impossible, making it difficult to reveal the truth of the Sewol ferry disaster and inform the public."

He added, "The Sewol ferry disaster was a national tragedy that caused great shock and wounds to the victims, their families, and all citizens of the Republic of Korea, necessitating an unreserved investigation of the truth. It is very important to disclose this information to clarify the appropriateness and legality of the national agencies' response on the day of the disaster and to guarantee the public's right to know." The resolution was co-sponsored by 129 Democratic Party lawmakers including leader Lee Nak-yeon, 6 Justice Party lawmakers, 3 Open Democratic Party lawmakers, and 2 independent lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the consent of the People Power Party lawmakers is crucial. Under current law, presidential records less than 15 years old can only be disclosed with the consent of two-thirds (200 members) of the National Assembly or if a warrant is issued by the presiding high court judge. After the press conference, Go told reporters, "The consent and cooperation of the People Power Party are necessary for the resolution to pass. I understand the party is trying to renew its awareness and attitude recently, so I ask them to show sincerity." He added, "I will soon meet with Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, to discuss this directly."

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