By Yi Whan-woo
Lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party unanimously adopted a plan, Wednesday, to push for an investigation by an independent counsel into the scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye's long-time confidant Choi Soon-sil.
The party is expected to start talks with the opposition parties soon on appointing an independent counsel. The opposition have already been calling for a special investigation, showing their distrust in the ongoing probe by the prosecution.
Saenuri Party floor leader Rep. Chung Jin-suk said the inter-party talks should begin "right away."
"Our party unanimously gave its support for the special investigation at an emergency meeting and I offer to begin bipartisan dialogue over the case," he said.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said in a statement that the probe will be "the most effective way to reveal the truth" behind "Choi gate."
Calling Choi "the regent" of the Park Geun-hye administration, DPK Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae said a special investigation will be critical for stern punishment of those who are linked to the affair.
The party's vice floor leader Rep. Park Wan-joo said a special investigation will effectively "press the prosecution" to carry out a thorough probe into the scandal. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has been under criticism for being tardy in its investigation since Oct. 5 on a series of irregularities concerning Choi and Cheong Wa Dae officials.
The Saenuri Party floor leader also referred to the embattled senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Woo Byung-woo in underscoring a need for the special investigation.
Woo is suspected of embezzlement and abuse of power, in a case separate from Choi gate.
"The people will not trust the prosecution under the command of Woo," he said.
Chung also urged Cheong Wa Dae to order the relevant authorities to force the return of Choi, who is believed to have fled to Germany to avoid the investigation.
Meanwhile, Rep. Park Jie-won, the floor leader of the People's Party, withdrew his support for a special investigation following the Saenuri Party's decision.
He said such a decision is believed to be aimed at placating the public and ultimately defending the President. He urged the DPK to withdraw its support over appointing an independent counsel as well.
A controversy remains over whether the President should undergo a criminal investigation if an independent counsel is appointed.
Under Article 84 of the Constitution, a sitting president cannot be subject to a criminal prosecution unless she or he raises a rebellion or commits treason.
Choo, however, claimed that "even the President cannot be exempt from punishment" if it is found that she breached the law. Media reports showed that presidential documents and national security related information were given to Choi in violation of the law on handling state secrets.
DPK floor leader Rep. Woo Sang-ho, agreed with Choo.
"The President is the only person who knows everything and she should be subject to an investigation to reveal this," he said.
Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, a former co-chairman of the People's Party, said that "There should be no sanctuary in the investigation."
"And of course the President should be included in the probe," he added.
Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, disagreed with this.
"It would be in violation of the law if the President is forced to undergo investigation," he said. "The investigators can grill Choi, presidential officials, and others to find out whether the President was involved in the allegation while not questioning her."
Lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party unanimously adopted a plan, Wednesday, to push for an investigation by an independent counsel into the scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye's long-time confidant Choi Soon-sil.
The party is expected to start talks with the opposition parties soon on appointing an independent counsel. The opposition have already been calling for a special investigation, showing their distrust in the ongoing probe by the prosecution.
Saenuri Party floor leader Rep. Chung Jin-suk said the inter-party talks should begin "right away."
"Our party unanimously gave its support for the special investigation at an emergency meeting and I offer to begin bipartisan dialogue over the case," he said.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said in a statement that the probe will be "the most effective way to reveal the truth" behind "Choi gate."
Calling Choi "the regent" of the Park Geun-hye administration, DPK Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae said a special investigation will be critical for stern punishment of those who are linked to the affair.
The party's vice floor leader Rep. Park Wan-joo said a special investigation will effectively "press the prosecution" to carry out a thorough probe into the scandal. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has been under criticism for being tardy in its investigation since Oct. 5 on a series of irregularities concerning Choi and Cheong Wa Dae officials.
The Saenuri Party floor leader also referred to the embattled senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Woo Byung-woo in underscoring a need for the special investigation.
Woo is suspected of embezzlement and abuse of power, in a case separate from Choi gate.
"The people will not trust the prosecution under the command of Woo," he said.
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Chung also urged Cheong Wa Dae to order the relevant authorities to force the return of Choi, who is believed to have fled to Germany to avoid the investigation.
Meanwhile, Rep. Park Jie-won, the floor leader of the People's Party, withdrew his support for a special investigation following the Saenuri Party's decision.
He said such a decision is believed to be aimed at placating the public and ultimately defending the President. He urged the DPK to withdraw its support over appointing an independent counsel as well.
A controversy remains over whether the President should undergo a criminal investigation if an independent counsel is appointed.
Under Article 84 of the Constitution, a sitting president cannot be subject to a criminal prosecution unless she or he raises a rebellion or commits treason.
Choo, however, claimed that "even the President cannot be exempt from punishment" if it is found that she breached the law. Media reports showed that presidential documents and national security related information were given to Choi in violation of the law on handling state secrets.
DPK floor leader Rep. Woo Sang-ho, agreed with Choo.
"The President is the only person who knows everything and she should be subject to an investigation to reveal this," he said.
Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, a former co-chairman of the People's Party, said that "There should be no sanctuary in the investigation."
"And of course the President should be included in the probe," he added.
Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, disagreed with this.
"It would be in violation of the law if the President is forced to undergo investigation," he said. "The investigators can grill Choi, presidential officials, and others to find out whether the President was involved in the allegation while not questioning her."
