Yang Hyang-ja "Shocked by Min Hyung-bae's Idea to Leave Party... Democratic Party Must Reflect"

Published 20 Apr.2022 18:25(KST)

Yang Hyang-ja, Chair of the Semiconductor Special Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea. / Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jin-ho] Independent lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja criticized the Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hyung-bae's departure from the party on the 20th to pursue the so-called 'separation of prosecution and investigation' legislation, saying, "I am appalled by the idea of forcing a lawmaker from one's own party to leave in order to make them a member of the agenda adjustment committee."

In a statement posted on Facebook that day, Yang said, "I hope this will be an opportunity for the Democratic Party, which wants to return, to reflect on itself." Yang, an independent formerly of the Democratic Party, was suddenly reassigned from the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 7th.

With Yang's inclusion, the composition of the agenda adjustment committee effectively changed to four members from the pro-Democratic camp and two from the People Power Party, prompting backlash from the People Power Party and the prosecution, who claimed the Democratic Party was attempting to push through the 'separation of prosecution and investigation' legislation.

Earlier, a post opposing the 'separation of prosecution and investigation' legislation under Yang's name was circulated on social media the previous day. Yang acknowledged writing the post, saying, "The document under my name yesterday was written out of conscience while contemplating how the deeply divided ruling and opposition parties could achieve cooperation."

Yang emphasized, "Prosecutorial reform is a historical mission, but we should consider it more carefully," adding, "Within the limits guaranteed by law, I will properly exercise the duties and rights of a legislator as one of the lawmakers."