Parliament begins review of special counsel bills against new PPP chief, first lady

Politics

Published: 24 Jul. 2024, 19:17

Parliament begins review of special counsel bills against new PPP chief, first lady

Lawmakers raise their hands to speak during the parliament's legislation and judiciary committee session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Wednesday. [NEWS1]

The National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee on Wednesday began its legislative review on two separate special probe bills related to allegations against conservative People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee, a day after Han was elected the new chief of the PPP.

The so-called Han Dong-hoon special probe bill, proposed by the minor Rebuilding Korea Party, includes accusations that Han abused his power to instruct a high-ranking prosecutor to prepare criminal complaints against liberal pro-government figures ahead of the 2020 general election and that his daughter’s high school essays, published in academic journals, were ghostwritten.

The special counsel probe bill concerning first lady Kim Keon Hee, proposed by the liberal Democratic Party (DP), addresses allegations of Kim’s involvement in the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation case and a luxury handbag scandal.

The rival parties clashed over whether to proceed with the bills during the parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday.

“The two special probe bills do not align with public common sense, legal principles or political ethics,” PPP Rep. Park Jun-tae said, questioning whether leaders of government-aligned parties are automatically eligible for special probes.

DP Rep. Seo Young-kyo emphasized the need for special probes, citing the recent questioning of Kim by prosecutors. “It's acknowledged that Kim received special treatment during her investigation,” Seo said. “That is why we need these special counsel bills.”

PPP Rep. Song Seog-jun criticized the parliamentary committee for introducing the special probe bill against the new party leader just a day after his election in a national convention. He also argued that allegations against Kim should not be considered as the investigation into her cases is ongoing.

“According to the National Assembly Act, the chairman can convene meetings and introduce agenda items whenever deemed necessary,” said DP Rep. Jung Chung-rae, head of the parliamentary committee, concluding that the bills will be referred to a subcommittee after a hearing.

During the committee’s meeting, the so-called yellow envelope bill, which was vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol late last year, and a bill proposed by DP Rep. Lee Jae-myung to provide vouchers worth 250,000 won ($180) to all citizens, were tabled due to disagreements between the two major parties. The yellow envelope bill aims to limit companies from making claims for damages in legitimate labor union disputes.

On Friday, the parliament's Legislation and Judiciary Committee is set to hold a hearing on a motion to impeach Yoon, with Kim and her mother summoned as witnesses. The presidential office has maintained its stance against attending the “unconstitutional and illegal” hearing.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]