In a significant political move, South Korea’s opposition parties have resubmitted a bill to appoint a special counsel to investigate the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of insurrection. The bill was submitted to the National Assembly on Thursday, aiming to reignite the investigation after the initial proposal was scrapped.
The renewed effort is spearheaded by six opposition parties, including the main liberal Democratic Party. This action follows the revocation of the first bill in a revote the previous day, where the majority of the 108 ruling conservative People Power Party members voted against it.
To successfully pass the bill in the upcoming revote, it requires the support of at least two-thirds of the 300 National Assembly lawmakers. The opposition is gearing up to secure the necessary votes to ensure the investigation proceeds.
Under the provisions of the second bill, the chief justice of the Supreme Court will recommend two candidates for the independent counsel position. Additionally, the number of dispatched prosecutors and investigators will be reduced to 155, and the investigation period will be shortened to 150 days, reflecting adjustments from the initial proposal.
President Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14 last year, with the motion delivered to the Constitutional Court for deliberation of up to 180 days. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended, adding a layer of complexity to the nation’s political landscape.
The charges against Yoon stem from allegations of him being a suspected ringleader in an insurrection. On the night of December 3, he declared martial law—a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. This unprecedented action has intensified calls for a thorough investigation into his conduct.
The unfolding events have placed South Korea at a critical juncture, with the potential to reshape its political dynamics. The opposition’s persistent push for a special counsel underscores the gravity of the allegations and the importance of accountability in the nation’s highest office.
Reference(s):
Bill of special counsel investigation into Yoon Suk-yeol submitted
cgtn.com
