'Jungkook's Height' Choi Sang-mok... Special Prosecutor Law and National Affairs Management 'Worrying Again and Again'

Acting President Choi Faces Another Critical Decision on Special Investigation Act Led by Opposition
Yoon and Ruling Party's Fate Hangs on Veto Decision
Struggling to Stabilize Political Situation After Seoul Western District Court Violence

Yonhap News

Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, has once again emerged as the 'key figure in the political situation.' This is because, amid unprecedented events in constitutional history such as the arrest of President Yoon Seok-yeol and the violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court, Choi, as the highest authority in state affairs, must play a role in stable management and coordination.

In particular, Acting President Choi must soon decide whether to exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto) of the Special Investigation Act on Treason, which was passed by the National Assembly plenary session led by the opposition party. Political attention is focused on this because the outcome of the Special Investigation Act could affect not only President Yoon but also the fate of the ruling party.

According to the government on the 20th, Acting President Choi is reviewing whether to exercise the veto on the Special Investigation Act on Treason, which was passed by the National Assembly on the 17th and sent to the government the next day. By the veto deadline of the 2nd of next month, the bill must either be promulgated or vetoed and sent back to the National Assembly.

In political circles, there is analysis that Acting President Choi may exercise the veto again, citing the lack of bipartisan agreement during the passage of the Special Investigation Act and the fact that even if the special investigation team is launched, it can realistically only maintain prosecution and other limited duties.

However, unlike the Special Investigation Act that Choi previously vetoed, this time the right to recommend special investigation candidates is given to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the number of investigation targets has been reduced from 11 to 6, so the possibility of a surprise promulgation cannot be ruled out.

On December 31 last year, despite opposition from the ruling party, Acting President Choi appointed a constitutional court justice, stating that he would "end political uncertainty and social conflict." A government official said, "Acting President Choi is carefully considering whether and when to exercise the (veto) right."

Acting President Choi must also manage the increasing political turmoil, as evidenced by the violent intrusion at the Seoul Western District Court immediately after the issuance of the arrest warrant for President Yoon. About eight hours after the incident, Acting President Choi expressed regret through a media notice and stated that he had instructed the police to conduct a strict investigation, but the opposition criticized this sharply, calling it "treasonous collusion disguised as neutrality."

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