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

Turning to the National Assembly.

Opposition lawmakers passed a bill prompting a special probe into allegations of election interference by President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee through a political broker, which sparked sharp criticism from the ruling bloc.

Our correspondent Shin Ha-young explains.

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.

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.

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.

"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 party, not political fighting."

The ruling 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.

Ahead of the vote, the party reached a 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.

"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."

Along with the special counsel bill, the Assembly passed a bill, backed by both parties, aimed at supporting the semiconductor industry by offering greater tax incentives to chipmakers.

The bill raises the tax credit rate for companies investing in facilities in national strategic industries, including chips and secondary batteries.

However, the vote on the opposition-led Commercial Act amendment was postponed with Speaker Woo Won-shik calling for more talks due to the sharp divide between the parties.

"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.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.