Kim Jong-in: "Democratic Party Should Elect Corruption Investigation Office Chief by Bipartisan Agreement, Not Amend Corruption Investigation Office Act"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, urged the ruling party, which is trying to push through amendments to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (HCIC) law, to "engage in politics that makes sense" and called for the HCIC chief to be selected through bipartisan agreement.

At the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 7th, Chairman Kim said, "Ignoring the opposition party, which is a legislative partner, and violating the natural order will face public resistance."

He pointed out, "The current HCIC law, created by the Democratic Party of Korea using fast-track procedures unilaterally, stipulates that the most appropriate person should be recommended as the HCIC chief through bipartisan agreement. However, pushing through the amendment to worsen the HCIC law now is a blatant intention by the ruling power to appoint a pro-government figure they nominate as the HCIC chief."

Chairman Kim said, "There is no eternal power. Abandon political illusions, recognize the limits of the administration, and engage in politics that makes sense," adding, "I hope the most suitable person will be recommended as the HCIC chief through bipartisan agreement."

Floor Leader Joo Ho-young also emphasized, "They are trying to forcibly change the law again, saying that the veto power exercised once by the opposition party as a minimum right is an 'abuse.' The HCIC chief must be a neutral and independent person."

He criticized, "We had several behind-the-scenes talks for recommendations, and even proposed that we could accept legal professionals endorsed by this administration, but the Democratic Party has not given a definite answer. They want to pick and place their own people whom we can completely control."

There were also critical voices regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Chairman Kim stressed, "Our response to COVID-19, which we proudly call K-quarantine, was due to an excellent medical system and the dedication of medical staff. However, after the medical sector strike, 86% of candidates refused the national medical examination, resulting in a situation where medical personnel cannot be deployed."

He said, "In a situation where even a single doctor is desperately needed and the COVID-19 spread is worsening, the government ignoring this and doing nothing is a clear dereliction of duty. Since there is a precedent of adjusting the national examination schedule and providing re-examination opportunities during the 2000 pharmaceutical separation incident, I hope they will respond promptly with the utmost priority on the lives and safety of the people."

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