Parties clash over establishment of special probe unit for high-ranking officials

Rep. Lee In-young, center, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a party meeting at the National Assembly, Tuesday. Yonhap

By Park Ji-won

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said Tuesday it plans to push forward with plans to create an independent prosecution unit to investigate high-ranking government officials. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) fiercely opposes the idea, claiming it is a move by the ruling bloc to extend its power.

Stressing former Justice Minister Cho Kuk's announcement relating to the reform of the prosecution just a few hours before his resignation, Rep. Lee In-young, floor leader of the DPK, said, “The DPK will complete the prosecution reform no matter what.”

“We will sincerely discuss it with other political parties who joined us in fast-tracking reform bills. We will collect views and opinions on pending bills including ones for the reform of the prosecution and electoral reform before seeking to implement legislation,” Lee said.

The remarks came after LKP Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn made it clear his party won't cooperate to pass bills before the end of the current Assembly session claiming passing fast-tracked reform bills would help the ruling party and Cheong Wa Dae extend their power. Hwang also criticized the DPK's drive for prosecution reform.

LKP floor leader Na Kyung-won also strongly rejected the DPK move, reiterating Hwang's remarks and pledging to continue to protest against the administration.

In April, the country's political parties ― except the LKP ― agreed to fast-track reform bills including one focused on power-sharing between the prosecution and police. The bills can be discussed before putting them to a vote at a National Assembly plenary session, which could be convened by the end of this month.