Opposition Demands Audit Office Budget Cut in Legislation and Judiciary Committee... Ruling Party Says "Can't Do It According to Preferences"

Kim Eui-gyeom "Won't there be an audit on the Itaewon disaster?"
Choi Jae-hae, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, "We are monitoring the audit on the Itaewon disaster"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 7th, the Democratic Party of Korea criticized the Board of Audit and Inspection's attitude toward the Seohae public official shooting incident and the Itaewon disaster during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting, mentioning budget cuts. The People Power Party rebutted, saying that the budget cannot be increased or cut at will.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On that day, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Eui-gyeom referred to the "Seohae public official shooting incident" during the full meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held in the afternoon at the National Assembly, stating, "(Regarding the Seohae public official shooting incident) Secretary General Yoo Byung-ho of the Board of Audit and Inspection expressed deep indignation, saying 'Taking a human life is unacceptable in the public service,' and the Board Chairman also said, 'I thought it was a matter worthy of audit,' and immediately began the audit the next day."

Then, Rep. Kim pointed out the Board's initiation of an audit on the Itaewon disaster, asking, "But this time, more than 150 young people died; why hasn't an audit been initiated on this?"

In response, Chairman Choi said, "The National Police Agency is conducting its own internal investigation and inspection, and we are currently monitoring the situation as well."

Rep. Kim criticized, "While there is deep indignation over the shooting by North Korean soldiers, 156 young people died not just one in the middle of Seoul city, yet a completely different standard is applied in initiating the audit. I feel there is a problem with that itself."

He added, "I believe the National Assembly, which holds legislative and budgetary authority, should exercise checks and balances on this."

Regarding the budget proposal requested by the Board of Audit and Inspection for audit activity expenses, Rep. Kim said, "The Democratic Party requested related materials, but the special activity expenses are being tightly concealed, blocking National Assembly verification," and emphasized, "Even as a measure to inspect the Board, the Budget Subcommittee will actively reflect the opinion to cut all special activity expenses and 50% of domestic travel expenses that have not been verified."

In response to the Democratic Party's announcement of budget cuts for the Board of Audit and Inspection, the People Power Party immediately rebutted.

People Power Party lawmaker Jeon Ju-hye said to Chairman Choi, "It seems the Democratic Party is displeased with what the Board of Audit and Inspection is doing. They say they will cut the audit activity travel expenses by 50%, but the travel expenses have actually decreased compared to last year." He asked, "What happens if 50% is cut here? Can the audit activities be properly conducted?"

Chairman Choi replied, "It seems the audit activities will be disrupted," adding, "The Board's budget consists of personnel expenses and travel expenses, and if those parts are cut, it will significantly hinder audit activities."

Then Rep. Jeon pointed out to the Democratic Party, "You should not increase the budget when it suits your taste and cut it when it does not."

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