National Assembly's Legislative Committee Begins Second Half of Session

During the first full meeting of the Legislative Committee on July 2, Chairperson Seo Young-kyo of the Democratic Party addresses the selection of the committee's secretary. The seats for the People Power Party members were empty as they boycotted the meeting.

The National Assembly's Legislative Committee commenced its second half of the session on July 2 with its first full meeting. The People Power Party boycotted the meeting in protest of the Democratic Party's unilateral selection of committee chairs, but the Democratic Party proceeded to elect the secretary and finalize the composition of the subcommittee for bill reviews.

Chairperson Seo Young-kyo of the Legislative Committee held the meeting in the afternoon, marking the start of the committee's activities. Members from the Democratic Party, including Kim Seung-won, Kim Gi-pyo, Kim Nam-hee, Kim Dong-ah, Kim Yong-min, Kim Han-kyu, Park Kyun-taek, Park Ji-won, and Lee Seong-yoon, attended the meeting. However, the People Power Party's absence reflected their opposition to the proceedings led by the ruling party.

Seo stated, "Given the heavy responsibilities we bear, we will work to create a Legislative Committee that focuses solely on the Republic of Korea and its citizens," urging cooperation from all committee members.

The committee then completed the election of Kim Seung-won as the secretary and finalized the subcommittee's composition, which includes five members from the Democratic Party, three from the People Power Party, and one from a negotiating minority party.

Kim Seung-won expressed his commitment to ensuring that the Legislative Committee fulfills its role as the final checkpoint for protecting citizens' fundamental rights and advancing legislation that impacts people's lives. He urged the People Power Party not to delay legislation aimed at addressing economic issues any further.

Additionally, during the meeting, some lawmakers raised the need for reforming the Criminal Procedure Law. Democratic Party member Kim Yong-min noted, "There are only 92 days left until the abolition of the prosecution office. Yet, a Criminal Procedure Law that allows the Public Prosecution Service and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency to function has yet to be established," insisting that the law must be passed within this month.

Park Eun-jung of the Justice Reform Party also emphasized the urgency of swiftly presenting the Criminal Procedure Law reform, as the Democratic Party has made the complete abolition of prosecutorial investigative powers a party stance.

* This article has been translated by AI.