Democratic Party Plans Special Counsel Law For May

South Korea's Democratic Party is pushing for the introduction of a special counsel investigation following the conclusion of a parliamentary investigation. Innovation Party chairman Seo Wang-jin demanded an investigation into whether the prosecution acted under specific instructions during the Pyeongtaek by-election race. The targets include the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case and Prosecutor Park Sang-yong, who allegedly refused to indict the son of Lee Hwi-yeol. Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Tae-ho stated the investigation aims to address the privatization of power and potential human rights violations. The ruling People Power Party has responded to the move regarding former chairman Kim Seong-tae and former vice chairman Bang Young-cheol. The Democratic Party of Korea introduced a special counsel bill to investigate allegations of fabricated indictments by the prosecution under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The scope of the investigation includes five additional cases, such as allegations of third-party bribery related to Seongnam FC advertising and sponsorship. The investigation targets cases including the Ssangyong Group North Korea remittance case and the Daejang-dong development scandal. While the law does not explicitly grant the special prosecutor the authority to withdraw indictments already filed, the proposal follows recommendations from citizen jury discussions. These discussions suggested improving the system to prevent the exploitation of juvenile offender laws. Some members of the party expressed concerns that proceeding before the June 3 local elections could negatively impact the election. The source noted that the law is not intended as a shield for President Lee.