Jeon Ju-hye "Majority of first-term lawmakers cannot accept state audit... Not all agree"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kwon Hyun-ji] On the 15th, the ruling party held a closed-door meeting with first-term lawmakers chaired by Floor Leader Joo Ho-young to gather public opinion regarding the opposition party's demand for a parliamentary inquiry into the Itaewon incident. Although it was not a 'unanimous' decision, the majority expressed opposition to accepting the parliamentary inquiry.

Jeon Ju-hye, who represented the first-term lawmakers in the meeting with the floor leadership, told reporters immediately after the meeting, "We collected and conveyed the opinions of first-term lawmakers on whether to accept the parliamentary inquiry, which has become a pressing issue. Many expressed that acceptance would be difficult."

The meeting was conducted not with all first-term lawmakers present, but in the form of six secretaries, including Jeon, meeting with the floor leadership.

Jeon stated, "The reason for opposing acceptance is that it is a 'smokescreen parliamentary inquiry' aimed at deflecting the investigative focus from Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea," adding, "Considering the act by The Tam Sa and pro-Democratic Party media outlets of publicly releasing the names of 155 victims of the tragedy without the consent of their families, many believe this parliamentary inquiry is ultimately intended to politically exploit the Itaewon tragedy."

However, it was reported that some opinions favored acceptance. Jeon said, "There were various opinions, and not everyone agreed on 'non-acceptance,' but while there were some in favor, the overwhelming majority found acceptance difficult."

Some voices argue that the ruling party should comply with the opposition's demand for a parliamentary inquiry due to difficulties in budget negotiations. In response, Jeon said, "Whether to negotiate will be decided by the floor leadership, but currently, first-term lawmakers oppose the smokescreen parliamentary inquiry."

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