與 "Unconditionally Fast" vs 野 "As Late As Possible"... Double Special Investigation Bill Re-vote, Ruling and Opposition's Calculations

Timing of Re-vote Disagreed Between Ruling and Opposition Parties Due to General Election Impact
Ruling Party Urges Swift Processing
Opposition Aims for Post-February Handling After Jurisdictional Dispute Judgment

President Yoon Suk-yeol exercised his veto on the 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Act and the Daejang-dong 5 Billion Club Special Prosecutor Act,' collectively known as the 'Double Special Prosecutor Acts,' on the 5th. In response, the opposition party plans to pursue a constitutional review of authority. They argued that the veto exercise involves a conflict of interest. On the other hand, the ruling party insists that a re-vote must take place at the plenary session on the 9th. They are countering by stating they will block the special prosecutor issue early to prevent it from becoming a general election issue.

The reason the Democratic Party mentions legal responses such as a constitutional review of authority against the president's constitutional right to veto is that they consider it a conflict of interest. Park Ju-min, the Democratic Party's senior deputy floor leader, said at the policy coordination meeting, "The Double Special Prosecutor Acts allow investigations into the president himself and his spouse," adding, "Since the president is vetoing for the benefit of his spouse, it constitutes a conflict of interest."

Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is presiding over the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

However, in political circles, it is believed that the Democratic Party intends to delay the timing of the re-vote as much as possible to make the Double Special Prosecutor Acts an issue in this year's general election. They aim to create a dramatic situation where the special prosecutor acts are rejected due to the ruling party's opposition just before the election, thereby rallying their support base and attracting moderate voters. There is also speculation that they expect 'rebel votes' from incumbent lawmakers who were excluded from the People Power Party's nomination screening. For the re-vote to pass, 199 votes in favor, which is two-thirds of the total seats, are required. If about 20 People Power Party lawmakers defect, the re-vote can pass.

On the other hand, the ruling party is trying to wrap up the special prosecutor issue swiftly. They plan to conclude it at the final plenary session of this extraordinary session on the 9th. Yoon Jae-ok, the People Power Party floor leader, said, "Delaying the vote is politically and ethically unacceptable," adding, "According to the constitution, when a veto is exercised on a bill, the National Assembly should vote on it at the next plenary session when it first convenes." Floor leader Yoon rebutted, "Delaying the re-vote for political purposes itself admits that the Double Special Prosecutor Acts are a product of election strategy."

Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor countermeasure meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

However, the People Power Party is expected to consider institutional supplementary measures in light of public opinion related to Mrs. Kim. Regarding proposals such as establishing a second secretariat in the presidential office to officially manage the first lady's protocol and schedule, Floor leader Yoon said, "There are various controversies and proposals ahead of the election, so we intend to listen carefully to public opinion."

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