The Democratic Party pauses on revising the Corruption Investigation Office Act... Burdened by the solo-run frame

Yoon Ho-jung, Chairman of the National Assembly Judiciary Committee, is presiding over the full meeting of the Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party of Korea is taking a breather in the process of passing the amendment to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HCIO) Act. With the People Power Party expressing its intention to block the bill with all its might, concerns are emerging that if the ruling party pushes through the amendment, it could fall into the 'legislative dictatorship frame.'

The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee will hold a plenary session on the 30th to review about 50 bills. Major bills include the amendment to the Public Officials Ethics Act, which strengthens the prevention of conflicts of interest related to stocks held by high-ranking officials, and the amendment to the Public Officials' Disaster Compensation Act, which restricts survivor pensions for bereaved families of public officials who died in the line of duty but failed to fulfill child-rearing obligations.

However, it is uncertain whether the HCIO Act amendment, considered a key issue, will be submitted to the plenary session. The Democratic Party previously held two exclusive meetings of the first subcommittee on bill examination (Bill Subcommittee) for the HCIO Act review but did not pass a resolution. The reason given was the need for further discussion due to changes in subcommittee members, but many interpret this as being mindful of public criticism regarding 'legislative dictatorship.' Within the ruling party, voices are reportedly calling to hold the bill subcommittee after handling next year's budget, considering the political situation such as opposition party backlash.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending a strategy meeting related to the Corruption Investigation Office held at the National Assembly on the 25th, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The opposition parties, including the People Power Party, have declared their intention to block the ruling party's unilateral handling of the HCIO Act amendment with all their might. Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at a party meeting the day before, "It seems that the Democratic Party is preparing for a forced passage in a single day of the HCIO Act, which removes the opposition's veto power, the National Intelligence Service Act transferring the National Intelligence Service's counterintelligence investigation authority, as well as the Police Agency Act and the three economic laws." He added, "If the passage of laws that violate the constitution or are of no benefit to the Republic of Korea is anticipated, we will use all means to block them." When asked by reporters whether 'all means' includes boycotting the National Assembly, he said, "We will decide depending on the situation."

For now, the drafting of the HCIO Act amendment in the bill subcommittee is almost complete. It is reported that the amendment to change the quorum for the HCIO chief candidate recommendation committee's resolution from the current '6 out of 7 recommending members' to 'two-thirds of the quorum' has received majority support. Baek Hye-ryun, chairperson of the bill subcommittee and a Democratic Party lawmaker, said, "Almost all have reached a similar level of consensus," adding, "There are few contentious issues or disagreements, so if the draft is completed, I believe it can be approved."

If cooperation from the People Power Party continues to be absent, the Democratic Party is expected to push through the amendment despite the risk of being framed as a legislative dictatorship. In particular, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, clearly expressed his intention to launch the HCIO within the year. At the Supreme Council meeting, he urged, "I hope the pending bills, including the HCIO Act amendment, will be processed smoothly within this regular session of the National Assembly."

Choi In-ho, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, also said in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day, "In case key bills are not passed during the regular session due to various circumstances, the party is considering holding an extraordinary session," but added, "Still, the plan to pass the HCIO Act amendment within this regular session and launch the HCIO within the year is firm."

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