Assemblyman Cho Eung-cheon Abstains from Voting on the Public Corruption Investigation Office Act... "Same as During the 'Yeonbi System'. Will Accept Criticism"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Jo Eung-cheon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, abstained from voting on the amendment to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HCIO) Act.

On the afternoon of the 10th, Jo met with reporters at the National Assembly and, when asked why he did not participate in the vote, replied, "It is consistent with my previous stance. I acted in accordance with my position so far." The vote on the HCIO Act amendment passed with 187 in favor, 99 against, and 1 abstention. Within the Democratic Party, Jo and Jeong Jeong-soon, who is currently under legal detention, did not participate in the vote.

When asked, "You supported the HCIO Act last year but abstained today. Is this opposition due to the change in the quorum of the recommendation committee?" he answered, "No." When asked, "Can it be understood that you opposed the nullification of the opposition party's veto power?" he replied, "Last year, the opposition criticized the Democratic Party for the mixed-member proportional representation system they proposed, but we decided to participate again. I opposed it then as well. It's the same thing."

When asked if he anticipated criticism from party supporters for abstaining from the vote, he said, "I don't know. I have to bear it all." When asked if party members might request disciplinary action against him, he said, "I have to accept all of that," but was reserved in his response.

Previously, Geum Tae-seop, a former member of the Democratic Party known as a principled faction along with Jo, was disciplined and left the party for abstaining on the HCIO establishment bill. Jo voted in favor at that time. He explained his reason for voting in favor by saying, "I voted in favor because it was the party line. It was with a heavy heart."

Meanwhile, Jo publicly criticized Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, becoming the first within the ruling party to do so, regarding the 'Choo-Yoon conflict,' which is considered a major cause of the recent sharp decline in the Democratic Party's approval ratings.

On the 25th of last month, he wrote on Facebook, "Will justice in criminal judicial affairs be established if the HCIO is launched and Yoon Seok-yeol is excluded?"

He added, "I cannot help but ask whether the unprecedented suspension and disciplinary request of the Prosecutor General in constitutional history is justified, whether now is the right time for this, and whether it benefits the country and society," and further stated, "Citizens are eagerly awaiting news that COVID-19 cases are rapidly decreasing and the economy is improving rather than news starting with prosecutorial reform or Choo Mi-ae and Yoon Seok-yeol. I hope the ruling party becomes a force that makes the people feel more comfortable."

Regarding the HCIO Act amendment, he criticized, "The HCIO has a safety device in the form of the opposition party's veto power, so there was no need to worry excessively. Now, however, they are trying to proceed with a legal amendment that nullifies that veto power."

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