Seong Gi-hong, the Chief of Public Communication at the Blue House, stated on July 29 that the government will monitor the legislative process regarding the proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, which aims to abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights. He emphasized that the government will review and discuss the matter after observing the bill's passage through the National Assembly.
In an interview with SBS's 'Joo Young-jin's News Briefing' that afternoon, Seong responded to a question about the possibility of President Lee Jae-myung exercising his veto power over the amendment. He said, "If the National Assembly deliberates thoroughly and prepares a law, it should be respected." He added that since the amendment is a significant bill currently in the National Assembly, he hopes it will be crafted into a desirable law that meets the public's expectations.
Regarding the resignation of Minister Jeong, Seong remarked, "In any job, there are times when one wants to resign. While it is natural to express such feelings to friends and colleagues, it is a different matter from what the person in charge, the president, knows." He noted that Jeong has been in office for over a year and expressed his understanding of Jeong's position due to various issues, but clarified that this stance has not been officially communicated to the Blue House.
On the controversy surrounding National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik's comments about constitutional amendments for term extensions, Seong stated, "Amending the constitution to extend the current president's term is impossible under the existing constitutional provisions," calling it "unrealistic." He questioned whether the public would accept such a change, expressing skepticism about its feasibility.
Seong also referenced past statements made by President Lee during his campaign, clarifying that under the current constitution, any proposed amendments would not apply to the president at the time the amendment is suggested. He expressed hope that unnecessary controversies surrounding this issue would not escalate further.
Regarding the timeline for the presidential couple's move to the Blue House residence, Seong predicted that they would likely relocate once environmental preparations are completed, possibly within this year.
In an interview with SBS's 'Joo Young-jin's News Briefing' that afternoon, Seong responded to a question about the possibility of President Lee Jae-myung exercising his veto power over the amendment. He said, "If the National Assembly deliberates thoroughly and prepares a law, it should be respected." He added that since the amendment is a significant bill currently in the National Assembly, he hopes it will be crafted into a desirable law that meets the public's expectations.
Regarding the resignation of Minister Jeong, Seong remarked, "In any job, there are times when one wants to resign. While it is natural to express such feelings to friends and colleagues, it is a different matter from what the person in charge, the president, knows." He noted that Jeong has been in office for over a year and expressed his understanding of Jeong's position due to various issues, but clarified that this stance has not been officially communicated to the Blue House.
On the controversy surrounding National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik's comments about constitutional amendments for term extensions, Seong stated, "Amending the constitution to extend the current president's term is impossible under the existing constitutional provisions," calling it "unrealistic." He questioned whether the public would accept such a change, expressing skepticism about its feasibility.
Seong also referenced past statements made by President Lee during his campaign, clarifying that under the current constitution, any proposed amendments would not apply to the president at the time the amendment is suggested. He expressed hope that unnecessary controversies surrounding this issue would not escalate further.
Regarding the timeline for the presidential couple's move to the Blue House residence, Seong predicted that they would likely relocate once environmental preparations are completed, possibly within this year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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