President's Office Audit Breaks Down at the Outset... Ruling Party Cites "Joo Jinwoo Conflict of Interest," Opposition Protests "Silencing"

Ruling Party: "Conflict of Interest for Joo Jinwoo, Former Yoon Administration Official"
Joo Jinwoo: "Organized Attempt to Silence Me... You Should Be Ashamed"

At the first National Assembly audit of the President's Office since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the ruling and opposition parties clashed fiercely from the outset. Disputes arose over the submission of documents by the President's Office and a potential conflict of interest involving Joo Jinwoo, a People Power Party lawmaker and former legal secretary at the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's presidential office. Ultimately, the session was adjourned before questioning began, resulting in a breakdown of proceedings.

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, is reporting on duties at the National Assembly's Steering Committee meeting held on the 6th in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the President's Office, National Security Office, and Presidential Security Service. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the morning of the 5th, the National Assembly's Steering Committee conducted the first audit of the President's Office, National Security Office, and Presidential Security Service under the Lee Jaemyung administration. Attendees from the President's Office included Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yongbeom, Senior Political Secretary Woo Sangho, and Senior Public Relations Secretary Lee Kyuhyun.

Kim Hyunji, the First Secretary to the President and a close aide to President Lee Jaemyung, did not attend due to disagreements between the parties. The People Power Party insisted that Kim should be present for the entire day, while the Democratic Party of Korea argued that morning attendance would suffice, resulting in a failure to reach an agreement.

The Democratic Party of Korea actively defended against opposition attacks, targeting various suspicions from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Assemblyman Chae Hyunil of the Democratic Party stated, "While today's audit covers the five months of President Lee Jaemyung's office, the National Assembly must thoroughly investigate the three years of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which committed insurrection," adding, "There must be a full investigation into the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's abuse of power and the 12·3 insurrection."

In particular, Assemblyman Chae emphasized, "The presence of Assemblyman Joo Jinwoo, who served as legal secretary in the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's presidential office, presents a significant conflict of interest. Joo has been described as a bodyguard for Kim Keonhee. He should be seated in the witness stand, not among the auditors."

In response, Assemblyman Joo countered, "I strongly protest the Democratic Party's organized efforts to silence me because I am raising concerns about Kim Hyunji," he said.

Assemblyman Joo added, "It has been a year and six months since I left the President's Office, and I already participated as a member of the Steering Committee during last year's audit. Those raising conflict of interest issues should be ashamed."

As Democratic Party lawmakers objected again, Kim Byungki, the Steering Committee chair from the Democratic Party, declared, "For the sake of an efficient audit, we will take a short recess," and adjourned the session. The audit broke down after only about an hour.

On this day, tensions between the ruling and opposition parties were evident even before questioning began. While Economic Growth Chief Ha Jun-kyung was delivering his report, People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seok shouted, "Please summarize and keep it brief," prompting Democratic Party lawmakers to protest, saying, "Last year, the session continued until 10:52 a.m.," causing a commotion.