The Democratic Party of Korea drew a line against the idea that adjusting the timing for handling the "special counsel for fabricated indictment" bill to after the June 3 local elections was a decision based on electoral gains or losses. The party said internal deliberation and procedures such as consultations with opposition parties are needed.
Kang Jun-hyeon, senior spokesperson of the Democratic Party, met with reporters at the National Assembly on the 7th and said, "As Floor Leader Han Byung-do said, the special counsel bill will go through sufficient collection of opinions from citizens and party members and a deliberative process within the floor."
Kang also addressed the possibility of revising the clause on dismissal of prosecution within the special counsel bill, saying, "We will fully deliberate within the floor on the contents as well," and explained, "The content, timing, and procedure are all subjects for discussion."
Kang added, "The essence is to uncover fabricated investigations and fabricated indictments and punish those responsible," and said, "Right now, it is only physically difficult because of the local elections; it is not about considering electoral gains or losses."
Regarding the People Power Party continuing its offensive over the handling of the special counsel bill, Kang said, "The People Power Party is making (the bill) a negative campaign theme and turning it into political strife," and added, "Isn't People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok also turning it into political strife with the local elections in mind?"
Kang continued, "Looking at precedents, special counsel bills have almost never been handled immediately and have taken at least a month or two," and said, "The People Power Party can just come into the floor and talk. The bill is also a matter that must be discussed with opposition parties."
The Democratic Party introduced the special counsel bill on the 30th of last month that includes as a target of investigation the case involving President Lee Jae-myung. Under the bill, the duties of the special counsel include "filing indictments, maintaining indictments, and deciding whether to do so." This means the special counsel could dismiss the indictment in the case related to President Lee.