The national audit targeting the second year of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration is reaching a turning point. This week, the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party are expected to clash over issues including Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, real estate supply measures in Seoul, and the controversy surrounding leveraged ETFs.
As the audit enters its latter half on the 18th, both parties have shown sharp reactions, signaling a contentious session ahead.
Kim Sung-ho, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, stated, "While the Democratic Party has focused on creating a 'people-centered audit' to review national tasks and address shortcomings, the People Power Party is solely engaged in political attacks. We urge them to stop the meaningless political strife and return to a constructive audit for the people."
In response, Jeong Beom-sik, the People Power Party's floor leader, held a press conference at the National Assembly, asserting, "The Democratic Party has outright rejected relevant witnesses, including former Chief of Staff Kim, to verify the leveraged ETF issue. This is aimed at provoking political conflict during the audit. They must cooperate in selecting witnesses."
Clashes between the two parties are also anticipated in key committees such as the Legislative Judiciary, Land Infrastructure, and Political Affairs Committees.
In the Legislative Judiciary Committee, questions regarding Chief Justice Cho's position are expected to arise amid ongoing conflicts with the Blue House over the rejection of Supreme Court justice nominations.
The Democratic Party plans to highlight various controversies surrounding Chief Justice Cho during the audit of the prosecution office on the 19th, including issues related to prolonged vacancies for Supreme Court justices, unauthorized use of operational funds, and allegations of incentive payments.
The Land Infrastructure Committee is also set to witness a showdown over real estate supply measures proposed by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who has repeatedly expressed opposition to the Yoon administration's plans to supply housing on parts of the Yongsan Park site.
Starting on the 21st, the Political Affairs Committee will engage in debates over leveraged ETFs. The People Power Party has previously raised allegations of Blue House involvement in the introduction of leveraged ETFs, insisting that former Blue House policy chief Kim Yong-beom should be called as a witness. Conversely, the Democratic Party emphasizes the necessity of leveraged ETFs, accusing the opposition of spreading conspiracy theories.
Additionally, the operating committee, which will decide on the witness selection for Kim Hyun-ji, the chief secretary to the Blue House, is expected to become a battleground for intense political disputes.
The People Power Party is demanding Kim's attendance at the audit of the presidential office on the 30th, citing the recent withdrawal of several ministerial candidates, including former Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won and former Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in. However, the Democratic Party argues that all appointments made by the presidential office have followed legal procedures and plans to obstruct Kim's attendance.
On the 23rd, during the comprehensive audit of the Land Infrastructure Committee, the People Power Party is likely to revisit the 'blacklist' controversy regarding the illegal surveillance of experts opposing the Moon Jae-in administration's real estate policies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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