People Power Party Requests Audit Office for 'Comprehensive Real Estate Investigation' of Its Members

Expressing Willingness to Investigate Even If It Requires Amending the Law

Kim Ki-hyun, Acting Leader of the People Power Party, is attending and speaking at the 1st meeting of the 'Special Committee on Investigation and Prevention of Military Sexual Crimes' held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] The People Power Party officially requests the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) to conduct a full-scale investigation into real estate holdings of all its members. Although there are criticisms that this is a 'loophole' request since members of the National Assembly are not subject to BAI audits, the People Power Party repeatedly emphasizes that the focus is on an 'investigation' rather than an audit. They express a willingness to undergo a BAI investigation even if it requires amending the law.

On the afternoon of the 9th, Chu Kyung-ho, the senior deputy floor leader of the People Power Party, along with floor spokespersons Kang Min-kuk and Jeon Ju-hye, visited the BAI office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to formally request a 'full-scale investigation into real estate speculation.'

Kim Ki-hyun, acting party leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, told reporters that day, "A BAI audit seems entirely possible," adding, "It is just a matter of the ruling party agreeing, so I don't understand why they keep backing out." The former spokesperson also explained, "What we requested this time is not a duty audit but a voluntary investigation, so the controversy over the BAI Act is not relevant," emphasizing, "We keep stressing that we want to be investigated by a fair investigative institution." They expressed distrust in investigations by the police and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, which is led by Jeon Hyun-hee of the Democratic Party of Korea.

The People Power Party is even considering amending the BAI Act. The previous day, spokesperson Kang mentioned, "We can amend the BAI Act." Lee Jun-seok, a former Supreme Council member of the United Future Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) and a prominent contender for party leadership, also expressed agreement with the BAI investigation, saying, "Since legal amendments are necessary, I hope the Democratic Party cooperates as much as possible."

According to Article 24 of the BAI Act, public officials affiliated with the National Assembly are excluded from audit targets. Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party, criticized at the Supreme Council meeting held that morning, "It is unconstitutional for the executive branch's BAI to audit the legislative or judicial branches," adding, "The People Power Party must be aware of this fact, so this can be suspected as a refusal to conduct a full-scale investigation." Yoon Ho-jung, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also sharply criticized, saying, "The BAI card is a highly hypocritical and shameless attitude." Kwon Eun-hee, floor leader of the People’s Party, also pointedly said, "I want to urge them to immediately withdraw that stance and request an investigation from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission."

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