Ruling DP pushes through contentious probe bills as it regains power after 3 years

Meantime, the Democratic Party passed contentious special investigation bills this afternoon at a plenary session, including a special probe bill into insurrection charges. amid a boycott by the People Power Party.

Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports.

Back in power after three years, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, which holds a majority in the 22nd National Assembly, is now speeding up efforts to pass contentious bills previously vetoed by the former administration.

The ruling party on Thursday unilaterally passed a special investigation bill into the death of a marine during flood rescue operations in 2023, which had been passed by the Assembly three times, but then vetoed by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

Of the 198 votes cast, 194 lawmakers voted in favor, while 3 abstained amid a boycott by the People Power Party.

The same day, the Assembly also passed a bill calling for a special investigation into former President Yoon's declaration of martial law last December and the related insurrection charges.

A similar special probe bill had been previously passed twice, but was also vetoed.

"A quick and thorough investigation under a special counsel is needed to hold those responsible accountable, and prevent another coup attempt like the one on December 3rd. The public strongly supports the passage of the special counsel bill."

A bill calling for a special counsel probe into former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, over allegations of election fraud involving political broker Myung Tae-kyun, was also passed during Thursday's plenary session.

The Assembly also approved a separate bill that gives the justice minister, alongside the prosecutor general, the authority to directly request disciplinary action against prosecutors.

Of the 202 votes cast, 185 lawmakers voted in favor, while 18 voted against it.

Most lawmakers from the PPP boycotted the vote, criticizing the DP for pushing the bills through unilaterally without bipartisan support.

"Today's bills don't reflect President Lee Jae-myung's first promise of unity. It's disappointing that the focus isn't on helping people's lives. This bill is just a revenge move. Punishing those who investigated President Lee by holding hearings to shame them and trying to impeach them is like attacking the justice system."

Meanwhile, ahead of Thursday's vote, Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said that as the Lee administration begins, respecting and cooperating with the parliament is essential for national unity and a successful government, urging the new government to keep this in mind.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.