Opposition-led Assembly passes special counsel bill to investigate Yoon's alleged election interference

Meanwhile at the National Assembly.

Lawmakers across the aisle locked horns over a bill paving the path for a special probe into allegations of election interference by President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee through a political broker called Myung Tae-kyun.

Our correspondent Shin Ha-young is standing by live on the line.

So Ha-young, I hear the bill was passed by the parliament today.

You're right, Sunny. Just a few hours ago, the main opposition Democratic Party, with support from minor parties, unilaterally passed a special counsel bill to investigate President Yoon and first lady Kim for their alleged election interference through Myung Tae-kyun.

It passed with 182 votes in favor, 91 against, and one abstention.

Myung is accused of conducting public opinion polls favorable to Yoon ahead of the last presidential race, and soliciting his support in the People Power Party's nomination process during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections.

Last year, a phone call between Yoon and Myung surfaced where they discussed the candidacy of a then-upcoming by-election, something that is illegal.

Ahead of the plenary session, DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said the special counsel bill was key to uncovering the truth behind the December 3rd declaration of martial law, stressing the need to restore the country and democracy.

Take a listen.

"There is already overwhelming evidence of serious crimes involving Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim Keon Hee, and Myung Tae-kyun. The probe is about fixing the country, not political fighting."

Ahead of the vote, the ruling PPP reached a party consensus to oppose the bill and decided to request Acting President Choi Sang-mok to veto it if the opposition pushes it through.

Its floor leader Kweon Seong-dong called the appointment of a special counsel a political move for an early election.

Take a listen.

"The special counsel bill is a political scheme by Myung Tae-kyun and the Democratic Party. The DP claims the case was a trigger for a martial law declaration, but it's just a baseless delusion."

The PPP criticized the bill for targeting the party's entire procedure for elections and for suggesting it could investigate all ruling party members at any time.

And Ha-young, before you go do tell us about the postponement of the vote on the revision of the Commercial Act.

Sunny, Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik decided to hold off on the Commercial Act amendment at today's plenary session, citing the need for more talks due to the sharp divide between the parties.

Let's listen.

"As the speaker, I've decided not to put down the revision of the Commercial Act at today's plenary session to encourage more talks between the parties. I urge the parties to keep discussing it until the next session."

The amendment expands a company director's duty to act in good faith, requiring them to serve both the company and its shareholders' interests.

The PPP has criticized the amendment, claiming it will lead to endless lawsuits and disrupt businesses, even though the revision is meant to protect shareholders.

The DP, which has been pushing the amendment, expressed regret over the delay.

Speaker Woo said the voting deadline would be determined as the negotiations progress.

That's all I have for this hour. Back to you Sunny.

All right Ha-young, thank you for that coverage.

That was our political correspondent Shin Ha-young with the latest at the parliament.