South Korea: Cabinet Avoids Reviewing Special Counsel Bills Ignoring Opposition Calls
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Seoul, Dec 24 (NationPress) The Cabinet avoided a review of two special counsel bills aimed at President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee on Tuesday, defying the main opposition party's demand to enact them the same day.
The bills, which seek special counsel probes into Yoon's brief imposition of martial law and various corruption claims involving Kim, were not addressed during a Cabinet meeting presided over by acting President Han Duck-soo, according to Yonhap news agency.
"To wisely manage issues where the interpretation of legal principles and political views clash, such as the handling of the special counsel bills and the appointment of justices to the Constitutional Court, the ruling and opposition parties must collaborate more than ever," Han stated during the meeting.
"I firmly believe that we need to begin with the ruling and opposition parties engaging in discussions and negotiations for a compromise that the majority of citizens can understand regarding the handling of special counsel investigations and appointments without any bias, in accordance with the Constitution and laws," he added.
Both bills were passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly earlier this month, obliging Han to either sign them into law or seek parliamentary reconsideration by January 1.
The principal opposition Democratic Party urged Han to promulgate the bills on Tuesday, threatening to "hold him accountable" if he did not comply.
This statement implied that the party might pursue impeachment against Han, who has assumed the role of acting president since Yoon's impeachment on December 14.
In his acting role, Han is also tasked with appointing justices to the Constitutional Court, which currently has three vacancies ahead of a significant trial to determine whether to uphold or dismiss Yoon's impeachment.
"I sincerely hope and strongly believe that our National Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Woo Won-shik, will devise solutions in accordance with our Constitution and laws," Han expressed. "That is the essence of South Korean politics that I have personally come to respect during my extensive public service in the Republic of Korea."
Han also announced plans to tackle the economic uncertainties stemming from the political chaos, stating that the government will appoint an ambassador for international finance to effectively communicate the nation’s economic situation and policy directions to key partner countries and global credit rating agencies.
He added that the government will soon appoint an ambassador for international investment.
