Democratic Party: "'Prosecutor Reform' to Pass in April"... People Power Party: "Alliance with Justice Party to Block" (Summary)

Democratic Party Unanimously Endorses
Possibility of Establishing Separate Investigation Agency

People Power Party "Will Use All Means to Block"
Justice Party Cooperation Essential, 'Self-Inflicted Trap'

Yoon Ho-jung, Co-Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Emergency Response Committee, is attending the Policy Members' General Meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] The Democratic Party of Korea held a party meeting on the 12th and decided to pass key bills related to 'Geomsu Wanbak (Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights)' within April. The People Power Party plans to put all efforts into blocking the bills through filibusters (unlimited debate), so the political situation is expected to freeze rapidly ahead of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration next month.

The Democratic Party held the meeting from 2 p.m. for about four hours and finally decided as a party stance to pass bills that completely separate prosecutorial investigation and indictment rights within this month. The decision was unanimously approved without a vote after obtaining the consent of the lawmakers.

Oh Young-hwan, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, told reporters after the meeting, "Various methods to strengthen the checks, surveillance, and control functions over the police are being pursued simultaneously," adding, "In terms of content, there was an explanation that an independent inspection body will be established to make police personnel appointments transparent and independent, and that prosecutorial control functions over police investigations related to duties will remain."

He continued, "It is not that all plans regarding the establishment of investigative agencies will be finalized within April, so for matters to be pursued after the separation of investigation rights, the option of establishing an agency through bipartisan agreement is also being considered."

The Democratic Party plans to promote the creation of a separate investigative agency. Spokesperson Oh said, "While further strengthening the existing autonomous police system, we have decided as a party stance to pursue long-term separation of national investigative functions, such as establishing a national investigation headquarters representing police investigative functions, like a Korean-style FBI, as a separate investigative agency responsible for national investigations."

Yoon Ho-jung, Co-Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Emergency Response Committee, is adjusting his glasses during a policy lawmakers' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

However, the People Power Party immediately rebutted the Democratic Party's stance, claiming that the bill is intended to protect President Moon Jae-in and advisor Lee Jae-myung.

Park Hyung-soo, the People Power Party floor spokesperson, issued a statement saying, "The Democratic Party's Geomsu Wanbak, which has lost reason, will be self-defeating," and pointed out, "Forcing the Geomsu Wanbak bill goes against the public sentiment expressed in the presidential election." Park also told reporters, "We will use all means, including filibusters, to block it," suggesting the possibility of cooperation with the Justice Party. He said, "Cooperation from the Justice Party is essential," adding, "Since the Justice Party has said that both the timing and method are inappropriate, I think they will cooperate."

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