Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the People Power Party on October 12 for turning the National Assembly's audit into a political battleground instead of focusing on the public's welfare. He urged the main opposition party to engage in the audit responsibly.
During a Supreme Council meeting, Han expressed concern that the past week has left the public with memories of harsh words and shouting. He noted that on the first day of the audit, there were disruptions in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, with remarks to restore order made every seven minutes, totaling 72 instances of intervention, including 46 calls to 'be quiet' and 20 instances of suspending speaking rights.
He also pointed out that Kim Tae-kyu, a member of the People Power Party, mocked the late President Roh Moo-hyun, and when a ruling party member called him out, he responded with derogatory remarks.
Furthermore, Han criticized the disruptions caused by People Power Party members during the audits of the Finance and Economy Committee and the Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Committee, which began with protests. He highlighted that Park Chung-geun, a member of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, insulted Minister Jeong Dong-young by calling him 'North Korea's spokesperson,' and similar personal attacks were rampant in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.
Regarding Lee Jin-sook, who was involved in the controversy over distorting the history of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Han condemned her for politicizing the gravesite of President Lee Jae-myung's deceased parents, linking it to policies aimed at preventing farmland speculation. He described this as an unprecedented example of disgraceful politics.
Han stated that the harsh rhetoric from outside protests has been brought directly into the National Assembly, leading to a situation where the public remembers not policies or alternatives, but only the shouting and unfounded claims.
He also commented on the government's plan to exclude inherited farmland and traditional rental practices from the scope of a special legislation aimed at addressing farmland issues, stating that the government has made it clear that if there is no clear evidence of speculation, individuals will not be forced to dispose of their land or face penalties.
Han emphasized that there will be no double standards in treating long-standing rural practices and real estate speculation. He clarified that the nationwide farmland investigation is not intended to crack down on farmers but to accurately assess the state of farmland and restore it as a foundation for farmers' lives.
He criticized the People Power Party for demanding the resignation of ministers while undermining protective measures for farmers, stating that their approach suggests they will criticize the government regardless of its actions. He concluded by stating that the main opposition party's actions, which incite public anxiety through distortion and rumors, are not acceptable, and the Democratic Party will responsibly push for the enactment of special legislation reflecting the realities of rural areas by the end of the year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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