As the national oversight hearings enter their second half on October 19, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties engaged in fierce debates across various committees, including the Judiciary Committee, National Land Committee, Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee, and the Agriculture, Food, Marine, and Fisheries Committee.
The Judiciary Committee emerged as the focal point of contention, with the Democratic Party and the People Power Party clashing over the proposal to abolish the prosecution office.
People Power Party lawmaker Kwak Gyu-taek directed criticism at Park Cheol-woo, head of the Seoul Central District Prosecution Office, stating, "If the prosecution office is renamed to the Prosecution Agency for political reasons, stripping it of its investigative capabilities, then those who have served in the prosecution for over 20 years should step aside. In the future, if cases that should be prosecuted are dismissed by the Prosecution Agency, further issues will arise."
In contrast, the Democratic Party defended the need for prosecution reform, citing past instances of lenient investigations by the prosecution. Lawmaker Kim Yong-min remarked, "The prosecution reform will lead to a reduction in the so-called 'favoritism' towards Kim Geon-hee and a decrease in case manipulation, which will yield positive outcomes." He also criticized former prosecution officials involved in the Seoul City public servant spy case, stating, "The arrogant attitude of the prosecution, which claimed there was no wrongdoing even when victims suffered, still persists today."
During the National Land Committee session, allegations surrounding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s 'Han River bus rebate scandal' and Gyeonggi Province Governor Chu Mi-ae’s 'financial siphoning' comments sparked heated exchanges.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-kun raised concerns during the morning session at Seoul City Hall, presenting suspicions regarding approximately 1.5 billion won in suspected misuse of funds related to Gaduk Heavy Industries and about 320 million won in commission payments for ship orders.
In response, Mayor Oh dismissed the allegations as a 'political offensive,' asserting, "Brokerage fees and rebates are strictly different."
The National Land Committee also witnessed tensions over Governor Chu's 'financial siphoning' remarks during an afternoon session at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office. People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jong-yang questioned Chu’s apology, suggesting it appeared insincere and forced, asking, "Was that a proper apology?"
Democratic Party lawmaker Moon Jeong-bok countered that Kim's inquiry was unrelated to the committee's agenda, stating, "Today’s oversight hearing is not the day to impose political standards on Governor Chu. Topics unrelated to the National Land Committee should not be brought up in this context." This led to a heated exchange between lawmakers, with Kim expressing dissatisfaction to the committee chair about Moon interrupting his questioning.
In the Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee, a debate arose over witness selection related to the Honam semiconductor cluster. The People Power Party sought to call Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won as witnesses to discuss the feasibility of securing power and water supply for the semiconductor cluster, but the Democratic Party publicly opposed the request. As disagreements persisted, People Power Party lawmakers exited the hearing room, and the committee resumed its session later in the afternoon.
Additionally, in the Agriculture, Food, Marine, and Fisheries Committee, lawmakers exchanged barbs over the budget for raising a sunken patrol vessel, referencing past comments by former Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae regarding the need to return the 72 crew members to their families and the failure to allocate the necessary budget.
People Power Party lawmaker Lee Yang-soo criticized, "Last November, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae stated at a Supreme Council meeting that he would secure the budget for raising the vessel, but no budget has been reflected, causing anguish for the families."
In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Jun-byeong asserted, "The audits conducted by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration were thoroughly planned, illegal, coercive, and targeted audits. Since the top leadership received a not guilty verdict from the court, disciplinary actions against the staff should be promptly revoked."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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