Extreme Confrontation Between Ruling and Opposition Parties Over Amendment to the Public Corruption Investigation Office Act... Will a Last-Minute Solution Emerge?

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Jeon Jin-young] As the Democratic Party of Korea pushes ahead with amendments to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) Act, citing "abuse of veto power by the opposition," the People Power Party also raised their voices, urging the selection of the HOCI chief through bipartisan consultation, calling for "politics that make sense." Attention is focused on whether a "last-minute solution" will emerge at the meeting of floor leaders of both parties chaired by National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok on the 7th.

On the morning of the same day, Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon emphasized at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, "The Democratic Party will definitely pass the three power institution reform bills, including the HOCI Act, the National Intelligence Service Act, and the Police Act, by the day after tomorrow's plenary session," adding, "We will carry out the people's mandate. We will not yield to any persistent resistance or unjust attempts." Regarding the last-minute meeting of floor leaders of both parties chaired by Speaker Park Byeong-seok, Lee also strongly pressured the People Power Party, saying, "If consultations fail or no agreement is reached, we will respond accordingly."

Floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon also stressed, "The Democratic Party has done its best for the launch of the HOCI. We have respected legal procedures as much as possible and negotiated with the opposition party," adding, "We have made every effort possible for a launch based on agreement." Kim predicted a push ahead, saying, "If the opposition members of the HOCI chief candidate recommendation committee had not exercised 'blind' veto power, the chief candidate would have already been recommended," and "We expect to reach an agreement with the opposition, but if not, we will follow parliamentary procedures."

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

On the other hand, the opposition urged to engage in consultations over the HOCI chief. People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young said at the emergency committee meeting at the National Assembly that morning, "We have had several behind-the-scenes talks for the recommendation, and we even proposed using legal professionals favored by this administration, but the Democratic Party has not given a definite answer," criticizing, "They want to completely pick their own people whom we can manipulate at will." He emphasized, "(The Democratic Party) is trying to forcibly amend the law again, claiming that the opposition's veto power exercise, which was used only once as a minimum right, is 'abuse,'" adding, "The HOCI chief must be a neutral and independent person."

Kim Jong-in, chairman of the People Power Party's emergency committee, also pointed out, "Ignoring the opposition, which is a legislative partner, and breaking the natural order will face public resistance," adding, "Pushing through the amendment of the HOCI Act now is a blatant intention to appoint a pro-government figure designated by the ruling power as the HOCI chief." Kim said, "There is no eternal power. Abandon political illusions, recognize the limits of the administration, and engage in politics that make sense," and "I hope the most suitable person will be recommended as the HOCI chief through bipartisan agreement."

As the ruling and opposition parties head toward extreme confrontation over the selection of the HOCI chief, there remains a possibility of a dramatic last-minute resolution through the scheduled meeting of floor leaders that morning. While the ruling party is pushing to hold the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to amend the HOCI Act that day, People Power Party lawmakers protested in front of the committee holding placards opposing the amendment of the HOCI Act.

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