South Korea begins four-day government questioning session
A four-day government questioning session began in South Korea’s National Assembly on Wednesday. The parties are disputing a possible constitutional amendment, personnel appointments by President Lee Jae-myung and reform of the criminal justice system. This was reported by The Korea Herald.
On the first day, 11 lawmakers were scheduled to question Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, acting Justice Minister Lee Jin-soo and Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung.
Constitutional changes
Kim Min-seok, leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, said the party would pursue realistic constitutional reform that meets public demand. The proposals include enshrining historic democratic movements in the Constitution and changing the power structure in line with the public will.
The presidential administration supports changes intended to strengthen constitutional checks on presidential power and allow presidents to serve two four-year terms. Re-election under this model would be regarded as an evaluation of the incumbent president’s performance.
The opposition People Power Party said it would oppose constitutional revision during Lee Jae-myung’s five-year term. Its parliamentary leader, Jeong Jeom-sik, said the party would not cooperate with those whom it believes seek personal gain through constitutional amendments.
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Responding to a question from lawmaker Lee Hae-sik, Han Seong-sook dismissed the possibility that the changes would allow Lee Jae-myung to serve multiple terms. According to her, the administration has already explained that the president will not run for a second term.
Justice reform and personnel issues
Another topic of the session will be reform of the criminal justice system. The Democratic Party-controlled National Assembly passed related bills to separate an independent investigative body from the prosecution and place it under the Interior Ministry. The prosecution that remains afterward is planned to be stripped of investigative powers, while the new body and the police would investigate crimes.
The People Power Party claims the reform is retaliation against the prosecution, which investigated cases involving several Democratic Party politicians, including the incumbent president, and that the proposed measures will weaken the justice system. The parties also differ over the nomination of new Supreme Court justices.
Justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won is being criticized over his alleged involvement in a stock manipulation case. Gender equality minister nominee Yong Hye-in is being criticized for refusing to follow the practice under which a lawmaker elected through the proportional representation system does not combine a parliamentary mandate with a ministerial post.
On Thursday, the session will focus on foreign policy, unification and national security; on Friday, on the economy; and on Monday, on education, social affairs and culture.
