The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) is open to a “third party” appointing a special counsel to investigate the military’s response to a Marine’s death, the DP acting chief said Friday, referring to a method proposed by ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon.
Rep. Park Chan-dae, who is also the DP floor leader, expressed the position during a debate hosted by the Kwanhun Club, an association of senior journalists, saying his party is ready to discuss the proposal with the PPP.
“If only we can right the injustice against the Marine killed in the line of duty and uncover the truth of the external pressure, the Democratic Party can accept the third-party recommendation proposal made by PPP leader Han Dong-hoon,” Park said.
“The PPP distorts the Democratic Party’s introduction of the special counsel bill as if it is meant for political strife, but the bill is aimed at establishing the truth and justice, not at stirring up a political dispute,” he said, referring to the DP’s past introductio
n of two successive special counsel bills.
Both bills were passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly but vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol and then scrapped.
The bills called for the appointment of a special counsel to look into allegations the presidential office and the defense ministry inappropriately interfered in the military’s investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae, who was killed during a search mission for victims of heavy downpours in July 2023.
Declaring his bid for PPP chief in June, Han pledged to introduce a new bill if elected that mandates an investigation led by a special counsel chosen by a “third party,” such as the Supreme Court chief justice, not by the DP, the PPP or the president.
“I hope Chairman Han will keep his promise to the people as the leader of the ruling party should and swiftly submit the special counsel bill,” Park said.
Han issued a statement responding to Park’s remarks, saying his position has remained unchanged but adding that the DP has shown an indec
isive attitude by first introducing a new special counsel bill that is more “unconstitutional” than previous ones and then stating its openness to his proposal.
“I will proceed with the necessary steps by reflecting the opinions of those in and outside the party,” including calls to expand the scope of the special counsel investigation to include suspicions of collusion between the DP and the media in exaggerating the Marine’s case, Han said.
Source:Yonhapi News Agency