The amendment to the three special prosecutor laws (civil unrest, Kim Keon-hee, and deceased marines) passed the subcommittee of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly on the 2nd under the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea. This amendment includes provisions to significantly expand the investigation scope and personnel of the special prosecutor. The ruling party emphasized that this is "for a swift investigation," but the opposition party objected, claiming it is being used as a "tool for political oppression."
Kim Yong-min, a commissioner from the ruling party in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, spoke to reporters immediately after the subcommittee meeting adjourned that afternoon and noted, "Today, we processed the three special prosecutor law amendments," adding, "We clarified the common investigation targets and increased investigation personnel. The investigation period has also been extended from the 'existing 30 days' to allow for 'two 30-day extensions.'"
The amendment also includes a provision to establish a requirement for mandatory broadcasting in the first trial of civil unrest cases. Kim noted, "The Civil Unrest Special Prosecutor Law first trial is now required to be broadcast," and explained, "While I believe Judge Ji Gwi-yeon should be excluded, the court has not taken such measures, which is a move to enhance the credibility of the trial."
The amendment was prepared in the form of a committee alternative by integrating the proposals of Democratic Party of Korea representative Jang Kyung-tae and representative Jeon Yong-gi. Park Eun-jung, a representative from the Rebuilding Korea Party, emphasized, "It faithfully reflects the demands for the three special prosecutors."
The People Power Party opposed the Democratic Party of Korea's forceful passage of the amendment, calling it "political oppression," and left midway.
Na Kyung-won, the opposition party commissioner in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, criticized, "Too many investigation personnel are being allocated to the special prosecutor, resulting in a loss of personnel for other cases, which ultimately harms the public." He added, "A budget of 20 billion won has been projected, which is a waste of taxpayer money," and continued to assert, "It is effectively being used as a means of oppressing the opposition and for political oppression."
The amendment is likely to be addressed at the upcoming full meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee scheduled for the 4th. Kim stated, "We plan to process it on the 4th if possible," and added, "It needs to be amended as soon as possible so that the special prosecutor can investigate swiftly."