Yoon's Side: "Complete Prosecution Reform, National Referendum Proposed During Local Elections... Democratic Party Ignores Constitutional Spirit" (Comprehensive)

Jang Je-won, Chief of Staff to the President-elect, is answering questions from reporters on the 26th in front of the Office of the 20th Presidential Transition Committee in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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The office of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has decided to push for a national referendum on the ‘Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights (Geomsu Wanbak)’ legislation being promoted by the Democratic Party of Korea during the local elections on June 1.

Jang Je-won, chief of staff to the president-elect, told reporters on the 27th in front of the Presidential Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, "The chief of staff plans to report to President-elect Yoon on the proposal to hold a national referendum regarding Geomsu Wanbak."

Jang added, "The chief of staff decided in a morning executive meeting to propose to the president-elect that we ‘ask the people directly’ about this issue."

He emphasized, "The Democratic Party is trying to pass Geomsu Wanbak in the National Assembly by majority power, ignoring the spirit of the Constitution. This shakes the foundation of South Korea’s criminal justice system. I believe this is something that should be discussed with the next government and gain sufficient public consensus."

He continued, "While we need to continue tentative reviews, from a cost perspective, if the referendum is held together with the local elections on June 1, it could be done without incurring significant expenses."

Jang said, "Let’s take a look at public opinion now. If we ask the people whether lawmakers should be granted special privileges to avoid investigations, or whether public officials should be exempt from investigations, our citizens will exercise their veto power."

Regarding the possibility that President Moon Jae-in might exercise his veto before the referendum, he stated, "I believe he will exercise the veto power," adding, "The president is the last bastion to uphold constitutional values."

He further raised his voice, saying, "In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, it takes 50 to 100 years of public consent and joint deliberation to change the criminal justice system. Hastily doing this just because there are a few more lawmakers is trampling on democracy."

However, when asked whether a referendum would be effective if held after promulgation at the State Council meeting, Jang replied, "We will carefully review that."

Meanwhile, Park Byeong-seug, Speaker of the National Assembly, convened a plenary session at 5 p.m. on the same day. The ‘Geomsu Wanbak Law,’ which passed the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, is expected to be submitted.

The Democratic Party plans to pass the bill in the National Assembly this month. However, the People Power Party intends to try to block it through filibusters (unlimited debate) and other means.

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