Cho Jungsik: "Assembly for Effective Livelihoods"... Kang Hoonshik: "Swift Parliamentary Probe on Ballot Paper Shortage" (Comprehensive)

Chief Secretary Kang Pays Courtesy Visit to New Assembly Leadership

National Assembly Speaker Jo Jung-sik and Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, who visited the National Assembly on the 9th, agreed on the need for a prompt parliamentary response to the ballot paper shortage incident during the June 3 local elections.

According to Jang Hyun-joo, Chief Public Relations Officer for the Speaker of the National Assembly, Speaker Jo stated during his meeting with Chief Kang that "the ballot paper shortage is a serious issue, so the National Assembly will respond thoroughly," and added, "There was a shared understanding that the procedures should proceed without delay."

Chief Jang explained the national investigation procedures, saying, "First, the request for a national investigation must be reported at the plenary session. After the Special Committee adopts the investigation plan, it must be approved again at the plenary session." He further noted, "The plenary session must be convened twice, so there is a strong willingness to open the plenary session for the report as quickly as possible. Given the public interest in this matter, we will proceed swiftly."

In his opening remarks, Chief of Staff Kang said, "This incident fundamentally undermines democracy and the right to vote, making it an extremely important matter." He continued, "As both parties agree on the need for a prompt national investigation, I hope related procedures will move forward as quickly as possible, gathering bipartisan support."

National Assembly Speaker Jo Jung-sik (right) receives a congratulatory flower arrangement sent by President Lee Jae-myung from Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, who visited on the 9th to offer congratulatory greetings on his inauguration. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to Chief Jang, the meeting also included a request to expedite the confirmation hearing for Han Sung-sook, the nominee for Prime Minister, in addition to the national investigation. He said, "Chief Kang's team requested that the confirmation hearing for the Prime Minister nominee, as well as the activities of the Special Committee for the national investigation, proceed swiftly." He added, "The Speaker also agreed and expressed his intention to cooperate to ensure that the procedures move forward as quickly as possible."

Speaker Jo also stressed his determination for swift legislative action. He stated, "As the world faces turbulent changes, this is a critically important time for Korea's economic growth and national interests. I will establish a 'National Assembly for Effective Livelihoods' that promptly pursues legislation for public welfare recovery and reform."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.