Jeong Jeong-sik Meets with Senior Secretary Hong Ik-pyo: "Blue House Expresses Willingness to Accept Special Prosecutor for Suffrage Infringement"

Agreement Reached on Addressing Infringement of Citizens' Suffrage Rights
Confirmation Hearing for Prime Minister Also Discussed
Jeong: "We Will Demonstrate Our Responsibility to the People"

Jeong Jeong-sik, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, met with Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, on the 11th and confirmed the Blue House's willingness to accept a special prosecutor regarding the infringement of citizens' suffrage rights.

Floor Leader Jeong held these discussions during a meeting at the National Assembly in the afternoon with Senior Secretary Hong, who visited to congratulate him on his inauguration.

Jung Jeong-sik, Floor Leader of the People Power Party (left), is receiving a congratulatory flower basket sent by President Lee Jae-myung from Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, who visited the National Assembly on the 11th to offer congratulations on his inauguration. Photo by Yonhap News

Choi Su-jin, Chief Spokesperson for the People Power Party, told reporters after the meeting, "We said that the infringement of citizens' suffrage rights due to the shortage of ballot papers cannot be resolved simply through investigations by the police and prosecutors, and that a special prosecutor is necessary." She continued, "In response, Senior Secretary Hong said that if the ruling and opposition parties reach an agreement, the Blue House will accept it." She added, "It appears that an agreement between the two parties will be necessary for the special prosecutor."

During the meeting, the topic of holding a confirmation hearing for the Prime Minister was also raised. Chief Spokesperson Choi explained, "(Senior Secretary Hong) requested that the confirmation hearing for the Prime Minister be held promptly," and added, "Although the National Assembly is not yet fully organized from our side, we agreed to cooperate so that the process can move forward quickly and to ensure there is no gap in state affairs. Both parties will make efforts in that regard."

Earlier, during the meeting, Floor Leader Jeong stated, "It is the role of the opposition party to criticize and give frank feedback," and added, "Such honest feedback may be uncomfortable at times, but I hope you will recognize it as the unique role of the opposition and reflect it in state affairs." He also said, "The People Power Party promises not only to cooperate but also to demonstrate, together with the Democratic Party of Korea, our fundamental role as a party responsible for people's livelihoods."

Senior Secretary Hong said, "I hope that the National Assembly's special investigation committee will proceed as soon as possible, so that the damage to citizens' suffrage rights does not recur, and that Floor Leader Jeong will show leadership in investigating the facts and improving related systems." He also stated, "Sometimes we will take the opposition's advice to heart, and at other times we will use it as valuable reference for state affairs. I will do my best to serve as a mediator in communication between the Blue House and the National Assembly."

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