Conflict of Interest Prevention Act Fails to Reach Conclusion in Political Affairs Committee Subcommittee... Deferred to April National Assembly

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The discussion on the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, triggered by the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) scandal, failed to reach a conclusion on the 31st and has been postponed to the April extraordinary session of the National Assembly.

On this day, the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee held the 2nd Subcommittee on Bill Examination and resumed discussions on the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act but was unable to complete the bill review.

Seong Il-jong, the 2nd subcommittee chairman and a member of the People Power Party, told reporters after the subcommittee meeting, "There is a lot to do. It is not something that can be decided quickly," adding, "I hope it does not go beyond April 10." He also said, "We need to hold several more in-depth meetings going forward."

Within the subcommittee, key issues reportedly include the scope of public officials to whom the law applies, whether journalists and private school faculty members are included, and whether to expand 'non-public information' under 'official secrets.' However, there is no disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties on the purpose of the bill's enactment itself, so it is expected that the plenary session could handle it during the April National Assembly.

Kim Byung-wook, the ruling party's secretary of the Political Affairs Committee and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said after the meeting, "We are trying to hold the subcommittee either this weekend or early next week."

Seong also said, "It should be done quickly, not next week. Even if there is an election, I think it must be done."

During the meeting, opposition lawmakers reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with an interview given by Jeon Hyun-hee, the Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, who is affiliated with the Democratic Party.

Seong raised his voice, saying, "Now, what right does Chairperson Jeon have to pressure the National Assembly by saying that the executive branch is blaming the National Assembly for not passing this (Conflict of Interest Prevention Act) quickly? It is inappropriate for the director of the Anti-Corruption Commission to appear on broadcasts." He criticized, "It is very wrong to make it seem as if the National Assembly is not doing anything."

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