Joo Ho-young: "A National Assembly Investigation Without Coercive Measures Hinders Investigation... Now Is Not the Time"

"Whether it is a state audit or a special prosecutor investigation,
the priority now is to secure evidence quickly through compulsory investigation"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Hyunji Kwon] On the 4th, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, responded to the Democratic Party's demand for a parliamentary inquiry regarding the Itaewon tragedy by saying, "Whether it is a parliamentary inquiry or a special prosecutor, if investigating the truth and preventing recurrence is necessary, we can do anything, but now does not seem to be the time for a parliamentary inquiry." He added, "At this moment, it is important to swiftly secure and preserve various pieces of evidence through compulsory investigation."

At the floor leaders' meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Joo stated, "If we conduct a parliamentary inquiry now, which lacks compulsory measures, it would rather hinder the investigation and only blur the issues."

He said, "If after reviewing the investigation results there are shortcomings or deficiencies, we will not refuse a parliamentary inquiry. On the contrary, the People Power Party will take the lead in demanding a parliamentary inquiry. However, at this time, as the police mobilize compulsory powers to quickly secure evidence and report to the public, calling in related parties through a parliamentary inquiry could easily turn into a political conflict and would not help in resolving the situation," emphasizing this point.

He continued, "In many major incidents, parliamentary inquiries have been conducted after investigations were somewhat concluded. Nam Gu-joon, head of the National Investigation Headquarters, was appointed during the previous administration and also worked at the Blue House under the previous administration, so I believe he will conduct the investigation without considering political advantages or disadvantages," he added.

Finally, Floor Leader Joo said, "In the face of this tragic event, I have no intention whatsoever to protect or defend anyone. Those responsible must be found and receive appropriate punishment, and by doing so, we will take the lead in ensuring that such tragic incidents caused by negligence or professional misconduct never happen again."

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