Ruling Party Shifts National Agenda...Adjusts Pace on “Special Prosecutor Act on Manipulated Prosecution”

Postponed Until After the National Assembly Audit

Seen as Response to Falling Approval Ratings

The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to postpone the handling of the so-called “Special Prosecutor Act on Manipulated Prosecution,” which would investigate whether President Lee Jaemyung was maliciously indicted, until after the National Assembly’s annual audit. This decision has drawn attention to the possibility of a shift in the National Assembly’s operational direction. There are predictions that a different dynamic may develop, compared to the first half of the 22nd National Assembly, when the Democratic Party asserted the logic of strength based on its stable majority.

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

Jeon Eunsu, the Democratic Party’s floor spokesperson, told reporters after the party general meeting on the 29th, “We agree on the necessity of the special prosecutor act regarding the manipulated prosecution case, but as for the timing, we will gather opinions within the party and review it after the National Assembly inspection.” Initially, it was expected that the Democratic Party would handle the special prosecutor act as early as October 1 at the plenary session.

Some view that the party’s decision to slow the process reflects the burden caused by falling approval ratings. Although President Lee’s approval rating has dropped into the 30 percent range—with some signs of a rebound—there is unavoidable political pressure, particularly given destabilizing issues such as the landmine explosion accident in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This means that if debates over prosecutorial cancellation ignite again, it would inevitably undermine the momentum of the administration.

The People Power Party sees the special prosecutor act as a prelude to canceling charges in the president’s case and has decided that, if the Democratic Party pushes the bill forward, they will counter with a filibuster (unlimited debate).

Shin Yul, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Myongji University, noted, “The Democratic Party insists the special prosecutor act is not about canceling the charges, but few people actually perceive it that way. Given such a situation, it will be difficult for the Democratic Party to push forward unconditionally.”

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