Ruling and Opposition Parties Show Restraint in Political Conflict Over Muan Jeju Air Disaster...

On the 29th, following the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport, the ruling and opposition parties showed signs of refraining from political conflict, including halting their sharp attacks against each other.

Kwon Seong-dong, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, canceled a previously planned press briefing and held a meeting on current issues with ruling party lawmakers from the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee and Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee. After the meeting, Acting Leader Kwon said, "We request that the ruling and opposition parties stop political strife and focus all efforts on managing the situation," adding, "The People Power Party will also do everything possible to provide support."

The People Power Party formed a 'Muan Airport Passenger Plane Accident Response Task Force (TF)' composed of members from the Public Administration and Security Committee, Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, and Health and Welfare Committee to establish comprehensive measures including accident investigation and support for the bereaved families. Acting Leader Kwon visited the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters with TF members in the afternoon to assess the accident status and discuss response plans. On the 30th, he plans to visit Muan to listen to opinions on accident management and prevention measures and to console the bereaved families.

The Democratic Party also formed an internal accident response committee and set up a situation headquarters at the Jeonnam Provincial Party Office in Muan. Party leader Lee Jae-myung personally visited the situation headquarters on the same day, focusing party efforts on managing the accident. Lee told reporters, "Given the gravity of the situation, I hope the government authorities mobilize all available resources to respond and provide support as quickly as possible," adding, "From the party’s standpoint, we will spare no effort in providing maximum support and cooperation."

Within the party, there had been claims that if Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, does not appoint a constitutional court justice or exercises the right to request reconsideration (veto) on the double special investigation law, he should be impeached again. However, voices supporting the need to allow Acting Prime Minister Choi to focus on managing the accident for the time being are gaining strength.

This stance appears to be influenced by concerns that mentioning the impeachment card against Acting Prime Minister Choi at this point could lead to criticism for paralyzing the control tower of disaster response.

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