President Moon Leading Prosecution Reform... December Political Scene Faces 'Turbulence'

Intensified Confrontation Between Ruling and Opposition Parties Over Public Corruption Investigation Office Bill... Setting Deadline Within Regular National Assembly Session a 'Double-Edged Sword'

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Im Chun-han] After President Moon Jae-in issued his first apology regarding the conflict between Justice Minister Chu Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and pressured the National Assembly to complete prosecutorial reform, the political sphere is heading toward a confrontation without any concessions ahead of the regular National Assembly session's conclusion on the 9th. The ruling party ultimately passed the amendment to the "High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gong-su-cheo)" Act unilaterally on the 8th.

President Moon taking the lead is a choice that reduces the possibility of a 'political compromise.' The Democratic Party of Korea has set a clear goal to be achieved and is determined to pass the bill alone if necessary, while the People Power Party has gained additional justification to block it at all costs.

Until the end of the regular National Assembly session on the 9th, the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties is expected to intensify like two trains running toward each other, escalating into a fierce conflict rather than a political resolution.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a coordination committee meeting on the morning of the 8th and unilaterally passed the amendment to the Gong-su-cheo Act. Although the People Power Party applied for agenda coordination in protest against the Democratic Party's attempt to approve the bill in the subcommittee, the result could not be changed.

The coordination committee, composed of six members, can pass a bill with a two-thirds majority. There are four members from the ruling coalition: three Democratic Party lawmakers and Choi Kang-wook from the Open Democratic Party. The People Power Party protested in front of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee holding placards saying "Is Choi Kang-wook an opposition member?" and "Stop the Gong-su-cheo Act that tramples democracy," but it was analyzed that a vote would be disadvantageous to them.

The situation the opposition feared has become a reality. On the 8th, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at an emergency party meeting, "We will not give up any procedure to fully expose how shameless the Moon Jae-in administration and the Democratic Party are." Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated at the party strategy meeting that "Tomorrow marks the end of the first regular session of the 21st National Assembly. The moment to keep our promise to the people is approaching," expressing determination to pass the Gong-su-cheo bill.

In response to the People Power Party's use of the filibuster (a legal parliamentary obstruction tactic), the Democratic Party immediately countered by convening a December extraordinary session.

The People Power Party chose another last-ditch strategy, including boycotting the National Assembly and street protests. Since the 7th, the People Power Party has been intensifying its struggle by holding overnight sit-ins to block the Gong-su-cheo.

The People Power Party plans to apply for a filibuster to delay proceedings if the Gong-su-cheo Act is brought to the plenary session. However, under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be forcibly ended within 24 hours with the approval of three-fifths (180 seats) of the total members. Currently, with 176 seats, the Democratic Party can neutralize the filibuster through alliances with the Open Democratic Party, the Justice Party, independents, and others.

Earlier, on the 7th, President Moon stated at the Blue House senior secretaries and aides meeting, "Our government has aimed not to postpone the task of reforming power institutions to the next administration, no matter what difficulties we face."

He also expressed hope for the Gong-su-cheo to be launched. President Moon said, "We have finally reached an opportunity to complete institutional reform of power institutions during this regular National Assembly session," calling it "a historic moment opening a new chapter in Korean democracy."

The set deadline of the regular National Assembly session is expected to be a 'double-edged sword.' While it can be an opportunity to conclude the protracted discussions surrounding the Gong-su-cheo, it is also a choice that makes it difficult to avoid political stagnation due to extreme confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties.

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