The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has intensified its political maneuvering by urging acting President Han Duck-soo to swiftly promulgate special counsel bills against President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee, marking a significant escalation following allegations of misconduct.
DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae made the call on Sunday during a news conference at the National Assembly, pressing Han to act before the impending Tuesday deadline. Park emphasized, "If acting President Han does not promulgate the special counsel bills by Tuesday, (we) will immediately hold him responsible," indicating the DPK's readiness to pursue Han's impeachment if he delays the process.
The urgency of the situation stems from the National Assembly’s recent passage of two special counsel bills aimed at investigating Yoon’s brief martial law declaration on December 3, which has sparked considerable contention. Park argued for the necessity of investigating Yoon on insurrection charges, stating the probe would be the "most rational," and insisted on advancing inquiries related to Kim’s alleged stock manipulation and interference with election nominations.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) was quick to dismiss the DPK's calls, claiming the measures aimed at probing Yoon and Kim were merely strategies to disrupt state governance. "(The bills) were intended to paralyze state affairs and the ruling party," argued PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, highlighting the tensions between the parties.
Adding complexity to the political scene, Han Duck-soo has also become embroiled in the controversy surrounding the martial law declaration. Recently appointed as acting president following Yoon's impeachment on December 14, Han has since faced scrutiny. He was named as a suspect in the police inquiry investigating the martial law episode, with questions raised about his involvement during the Cabinet meeting leading up to Yoon's declaration.
The minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party has also taken action by drafting its own motion for Han's impeachment, critiquing him for allegedly "silently agreeing" with Yoon’s controversial decision. Acting leader Rep. Kim Sun-min is urging the DPK to prioritize its impeachment motion against Han if he fails to comply with the DPK's demands by the deadline.
The DPK's push for accountability with the special counsel bills marks a pivotal moment within South Korean politics, as it seeks to challenge the current administration's decisions. Should Han fail to sign these bills, the parliamentary battle lines have been drawn, with potential repercussions affecting the broader governance of the country.
This political crisis reflects deep disenchantment among the populace with how recent events have unfolded. The DPK, with its majority holding of 170 seats out of the 300-member National Assembly, appears resolute to maintain pressure on both Han and Yoon should accountability remain elusive.
The outcome of this political standoff is yet to be seen, but the stakes have never been higher, as the DPK’s warnings of responsibility culminate in potential upheaval if their demands go unheeded. Political analysts now closely monitor the developments as they could lead to significant shifts not only within South Korea's leadership structure but also influence public confidence moving forward.
