Presidential Office: "Itaewon Special Investigation Committee is Unfair and Unconstitutional"... Yoon Begins Careful Deliberation

President Yoon Suk-yeol has begun careful consideration of the 'Itaewon Disaster Special Act.' The bill has not yet been sent to the government, so there has been no formal report or detailed discussion with aides. Internally, there is a strong sentiment interpreted as 'full compensation will become more difficult under the special law.' However, with the general election approaching and the recent exercise of the veto power on the twin special investigation bills (related to Mrs. Kim Geon-hee's stock manipulation and the Daejang-dong 5 billion won club allegations), which has not been well received by public opinion, these factors remain variables.

On the 12th, a presidential office official stated, "Mentioning the exercise of veto power at this moment could be misunderstood by the bereaved families," but added, "Once the bill is submitted, we will comprehensively review opinions from the party, ministries, and others before discussing it." The deadline for requesting reconsideration of the Itaewon Special Act is 15 days after the bill is sent to the government.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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However, within the presidential office, the prevailing perception is that there are problems with the bill itself. The official pointed to the special investigation committee stipulated in the special law, saying, "It is extremely unconstitutional and unfair," and warned, "It could rather hinder the bereaved families and victims from receiving compensation."

On the 9th, opposition parties including the Democratic Party of Korea and the Justice Party passed the 'October 29 Itaewon Disaster Victims' Rights Protection, Truth Investigation, and Recurrence Prevention Special Act,' which grants the special investigation committee the authority to order the submission of materials and accompaniment from investigation subjects, and if refused, to request a search warrant from prosecutors. This is the basis for the presidential office's judgment that it is 'unconstitutional.' Since the committee can exercise all powers of the executive and investigative agencies for up to one year and six months, the logic is that it is close to a 'violation of the constitution.'

Another reason the presidential office has concerns about the 'Itaewon Special Act' is the premise President Yoon has set when exercising veto power: 'lack of bipartisan agreement.' The presidential office has repeatedly cited that the bill was "unilaterally pushed through without bipartisan agreement" as a major reason for exercising the veto.

However, the presidential office emphasized, "Nothing has been decided yet." Some speculate that President Yoon might directly explain the matter to the public during the upcoming New Year's press conference currently under review. This is due to the start of the general election season and the still unfavorable public opinion regarding the previous twin special investigation bills.

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