Song Eon-seok Signals Willingness to Pursue National Assembly Probe into Daejang-dong Appeal Withdrawal via Legislation and Judiciary Committee

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Da Ye On – As political parties remain divided over a proposed parliamentary investigation into the prosecution’s decision to forgo an appeal in the Daejang-dong case, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has indicated it is open to the Democratic Party’s suggestion to conduct the probe through the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

At a press briefing at the National Assembly on the 26th, Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the PPP, stated, “While it is customary to form a special committee for such investigations, considering the current reality where the opposition, holding an overwhelming majority, often disregards the ruling party’s voice, we are also willing to discuss conducting the investigation within the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.”

Song added, “For the sake of uncovering the truth, the Democratic Party should stop making further excuses and immediately proceed with the parliamentary investigation. To this end, I urge the prompt appointment of an opposition secretary to the committee.”

He further criticized the committee’s operation under Democratic Party member Choo Mi-ae, noting, “There have been 271 instances of restricted speaking rights in the committee, including 189 cases of stripping members of the right to speak or make personal statements, 26 cases of ending discussions after revoking debate rights, and 56 cases where requests for debate were not even addressed. Such unilateral management practices, including restricting members’ remarks and ordering expulsions, must cease immediately.”

Regarding the selection of witnesses and references for the investigation, Song said, “We hope both parties can agree on the basic principles to ensure a bipartisan process.”

Song reiterated, “We have already announced our agreement to a special prosecutor to investigate the Daejang-dong appeal withdrawal. We are also open to discussing a standing special prosecutor, as previously proposed by Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-ki. If necessary, we can even propose a special prosecutor bill.”

He concluded, “We expect a responsible response befitting the ruling party. Any further obstruction, stalling, or ‘bed soccer’ tactics would be an even greater hindrance to uncovering the truth than the alleged external pressure behind the appeal withdrawal.”

d​yon@yna.co.kr

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