Lee Nak-yeon Returns from Self-Quarantine... Focuses on Legislative Tasks First

Immediate Review Meeting on 15 'Future Legislative Tasks' Bills Upon Return
Goal to Pass at Plenary Session on the 9th
Political Burdens Including Opposition Backlash and Party Approval Ratings

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Kang Nahum, Won Dara, Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who had been in self-quarantine due to close contact with a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), will be released from quarantine on the 3rd. He plans to immediately return to the National Assembly and focus on handling the 'future legislative agenda,' including the amendment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) Act. The key issue is whether he can overcome political burdens such as opposition party backlash, the 'legislative unilateralism frame,' and declining party approval ratings.

According to the Democratic Party on the 3rd, Lee is scheduled to hold a meeting with the floor leaders of the relevant standing committees at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the 15 bills selected as future legislative agendas. With the regular session of the National Assembly nearing its end, he plans to encourage the processing of these legislative tasks.

The future legislative agenda consists of a total of 15 bills selected across four major areas: ▲Reform (HOCI Act, National Intelligence Service Act, National Police Agency Act, Working National Assembly Act, Conflict of Interest Prevention Act) ▲Fairness (Three Fair Economy Acts) ▲Livelihood (Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act, Employment Insurance Act, Essential Workers Protection Support Act) ▲Justice (two 5.18 Special Acts, 4.3 Special Act).

The Democratic Party has set the goal to process these bills in the National Assembly by the 9th. Kim Tae-nyeon, the Democratic Party floor leader, stated at the policy coordination meeting that "From now on, the National Assembly is a time for legislation," and added, "We will process the HOCI Act and the Three Fair Economy Acts by the 9th. We will faithfully fulfill the responsibility entrusted by the people and the role of the ruling party."

However, it is expected that the passage of the bills will not be smooth due to strong opposition from opposition parties. Regarding the amendment to the HOCI Act, it was reviewed twice last week at the first subcommittee of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. With the People Power Party absent, only Democratic Party members attended and resolved most of the major issues. Although the Democratic Party plans to pass the bill at the plenary session on the 9th even without cooperation from the People Power Party, there is a high possibility that the opposition will fight against it in some way, which poses a significant burden.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, the amendment to the Commercial Act, which limits the voting rights of major shareholders and related parties to 3%, is also strongly opposed by the opposition. The amendments to the Fair Trade Act and the enactment of the Financial Group Supervision Act, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Political Affairs Committee, have not even been submitted to the bill subcommittee due to lack of cooperation from the opposition.

The passage of the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act at the plenary session on the 9th is also uncertain. Although a public hearing on the act was held at the Judiciary Committee the day before, it was conducted half-heartedly as People Power Party members, who are boycotting the Judiciary Committee, did not attend. Opinions within the ruling party are also not unified. Democratic Party lawmaker Song Ki-heon attended the hearing and raised concerns about the potential unconstitutionality of the bill proposed by his party colleague Park Ju-min.

Meanwhile, political burdens such as the recently declining party approval ratings and outspoken remarks within the party are also increasing. According to the public opinion poll results for the first week of December released by Realmeter on the same day, the Democratic Party recorded its lowest approval rating since the current government took office, losing the lead to the People Power Party (31.2%). This is interpreted as being influenced by the issue of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's suspension and the legislative unilateralism frame.

The day before, another outspoken remark about Minister Chu came from within the Democratic Party. Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Hae-young, known as a principled member, stated on Facebook, "The current appearance of Minister Chu raises concerns that it might rather make prosecutorial reform difficult." Kim added, "Minister Chu should deeply consider what truly is the path for prosecutorial reform," and requested, "I ask the core aides who closely assist President Moon Jae-in, including Chief Secretary to the President Noh Young-min, to properly support the president so that he can remain a respected president among the people."

Such outspoken remarks seem to be gradually spreading. On the 25th of last month, lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon criticized Minister Chu for suspending Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, "Will the establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) and the exclusion of Prosecutor General Yoon ensure justice in criminal justice?" Two days later, lawmaker Lee Sang-min urged, "Both (Minister Chu and Prosecutor General Yoon) should resign together. I strongly request the president to take swift action again." A Democratic Party official said, "There is a sentiment within the party that Minister Chu's actions are burdensome."

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