- Criminal Procedure Act amendment bill as the party line? Will be finalized before the plenary session.
- Currently a basic draft... To be discussed and deliberated at the general meeting of lawmakers.
- The 'Jang Yun-gi case' also demonstrates the justification for the 'crime of distorting the law.'
- Goal is before the opening of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency... Not keeping the national convention in mind.
- Can't the opening be postponed? Prosecution reform has dragged on for a long time and must be concluded.
- Preparing for abuse of police power? Through SCIA investigations and the autonomous police system.
- Opposition wants the right to recommend the NEC special counsel? Stubbornness due to internal conflict within the opposition.
- Third-party recommendation is reasonable... Hoping they accept the ruling party's proposal and return to the National Assembly.
- Real estate forum? Will gather public opinions on taxes and supply.
- The core is more 'supply'... Tax reform to be announced in late July.
- Homeplus hearing? Will proceed if the PPP attends the National Policy Committee.
- Measures for single-stock leverage? Will prepare after monitoring.
 
■ Broadcast: SBS Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show (FM 103.5 MHz 7:00 – 9:00 AM)
■ Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
■ Host: Attorney Kim Tae-hyun
■ Guest: Representative Park Sang-hyuk of the Democratic Party of Korea (Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Policy Committee)
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has stated that it aims to pass an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which centers on the complete abolition of supplementary investigation rights, before the national convention. However, voices of caution are growing within the party. We will speak with Representative Park Sang-hyuk, Senior Vice Chair of the DPK Policy Committee, to discuss what discussions are taking place. Hello.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Hello. It has been a while.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Representative Park, it has been a while. You were also present when the Criminal Procedure Act amendment bill was submitted recently, weren't you?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: As a member of the party's task force and being in charge of the Policy Committee, I participated in drafting it and submitted it together.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Looking at today's schedule, the general meeting of lawmakers today will review the previously submitted bill alongside the revised bills that Representatives Kim Nam-hee and Hong Ki-won are said to be proposing. Does this mean the bill you submitted back then was not officially finalized as the DPK's party line?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: To explain the process, Representative Kim Yong-min's bill is currently submitted to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and Representative Cha Gyu-geun's bill from the Rebuilding Korea Party is also there. The bill drafted by our TF has now been submitted as well. The procedure for adopting the party line is cautiously expected to involve some level of discussion in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee first. Once a decision is made, we will hold a debate at the general meeting of lawmakers, and finally adopt it as the party line before it goes to the plenary session.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: So, basically, our position is to create an environment and content where we can deliberate further on various details within the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Therefore, various opinions are likely to be voiced at today's general meeting of lawmakers as well. There is plenty of room for those points to be reflected in future discussions within the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the current subcommittee. Also, lawmakers at the general meeting might suggest holding a more public debate, similar to the internal party debate we had previously regarding taxes.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Is that so?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: I believe there is a possibility that the floor leadership will actively accept such a suggestion.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: To put it simply, the bill submitted by the TF last time was for the complete abolition of supplementary investigation rights, correct?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Yes.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: So you are saying we cannot conclude for sure that it will be passed exactly in that form. There are still some lingering debates, right?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: It was drafted based on the fundamental positions of the government and the party, and we added provisions such as victim protection to address potential concerns.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Furthermore, since previous proposals included a wider range of opinions from civil society, our idea was to make the bill compact to align with the opening of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA) and the Prosecution Office in October. We needed a basic draft to initiate discussions, which is why we submitted that bill.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: So the plan is to debate based on that basic draft. However, the DPK leadership might find itself in an awkward position because, following the outbreak of the Jang Yun-gi case in Gwangju, there are more voices than before arguing that supplementary investigation rights are necessary. What is the atmosphere among lawmakers within the party from what you can feel? Are there more opinions saying "we must push ahead with the complete abolition as planned," or are there more saying "it is risky, so we should revise it"?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Fundamentally, there is no particular disagreement on the grand principle of separating investigation and prosecution, and the principle of preventing the abuse of prosecutorial power.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: As for the Jang Yun-gi case, it must be severely punished as an individual case. On the other hand, as mentioned this time, there is the "crime of distorting the law," which was highly controversial back then. That provision was created precisely because of cases like this. It is unfortunate that this aspect is not being highlighted. Regarding this issue, poor investigations within the police could continue to occur in the future regardless of whether the prosecution retains supplementary investigation rights. Therefore, we must continuously identify problems and establish systems and mechanisms for the police to self-regulate and handle these issues.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: At the same time, I understand that the public may have valid concerns. Therefore, those aspects must be thoroughly debated in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. As I mentioned earlier, I understand that the floor leadership is planning to create a platform for such debates and public deliberation with experts. I hope you will watch how this unfolds.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Looking at Representative Hong Ki-won's proposed revision, the areas where the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights would exceptionally be allowed include voice phishing, crimes against the socially vulnerable, and crimes affecting public livelihoods. Representative Kim Nam-hee seems to have proposed keeping them exceptionally for sex crimes against women. Could those proposals be incorporated during today's general meeting of lawmakers or in the future deliberation process of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Yesterday, Kim Seung-won, the executive secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, also stated that if such bills are submitted, they will all be reviewed together in the subcommittee to discuss their respective merits. Since the intent behind those proposals is clear, he said they would be debated. I view this as a natural part of the committee's process. Deciding whether to include certain provisions is a standard part of our legislative drafting process.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: So, I hope this is understood as a process of deliberation and debate at the National Assembly level, leading to the final bill, just as the President and the government have suggested.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: We are not drafting this with a specific timing or political event in mind.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Is that so?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: However, we are facing the opening in October. Since the opening is scheduled for October 2, there is no disagreement that rapid preparation is necessary.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: The Ministry of Justice also needs these bills to be passed quickly so they can proceed with the remaining preparations, including subsequent tasks like drafting enforcement decrees. That is why we are preparing.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: In the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, the bill was already introduced last week, and they are preparing to continue discussions in the subcommittee this week. I can report that they are conducting substantial deliberations on these matters.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: There were reports that the goal is to finish it before the national convention, which seems to contradict your statement that you are not pushing this with a specific political event in mind.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: I am not sure who said that, but we are preparing from a general standpoint that this issue must be resolved quickly before the opening on October 1 to ensure a proper launch.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: It just so happens that the national convention is on August 17. We are preparing the bill quickly with that general timeline in mind.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Representative Park, since this changes the criminal justice system, it directly affects the daily lives of the public. Doing it right is more important than doing it quickly. The People Power Party (PPP) is currently suggesting that we postpone the implementation of the SCIA and the Prosecution Office by one year. Do we absolutely have to stick to October 1? Can't we delay it slightly to properly resolve the issue of supplementary investigation rights and deliberate further?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: As you know well, the history of prosecution reform and these discussions has involved a very long period of preparation, debate, and discussion. We drafted the bill last year and effectively suspended it for a year. Considering the entire process—where we decided to abolish the Prosecution Service and set a one-year grace period to establish the SCIA and the Prosecution Office, during which the Prosecution Reform Promotion Team held continuous discussions—this is not a sudden decision.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Therefore, I believe we are in the final stages of wrapping this up. I think we can prepare in time for the opening on October 2. I have heard that the Ministry of Justice also finds this timeline feasible, so if we properly reflect the discussions in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, we can finalize it.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Representative, people often say that one of the reasons prosecution reform is necessary is because the prosecution holds too much investigative power, making them too powerful, which leads to abuse and problems. However, someone still has to conduct investigations. If we take all power away from the prosecution and hand it over to the police, the police will become incredibly powerful. On top of that, the police also maintain public order and gather intelligence. As seen in the Jang Yun-gi case, how will we control the abuse of police power? Do you have any measures for this issue?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: I agree that this is an extremely important issue. That is why the prosecution's investigative power is being partially transferred to the SCIA. Since the SCIA has not opened yet, people seem to have suddenly forgotten its existence, but we are separating a certain portion of the power to the SCIA.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: But isn't it under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety anyway?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Even so, the SCIA has a somewhat different DNA compared to the existing police force. Then we have the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the police. As you mentioned, I believe there is a strong need for control over the police's investigative power. Therefore, additional measures must be implemented. For example, we need to properly implement the autonomous police system quickly and make the Police Committee more substantive. Since there is always a risk of police power and investigative power being abused, if power becomes bloated, we must establish additional control mechanisms.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: In any case, the conclusion of what you are saying today is that the Criminal Procedure Act amendment bill submitted recently is not 100% finalized as the DPK's party line, so it is not set in stone. There is room for revision.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Saying it that way might cause some misunderstanding.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Is that so?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: It would be sufficient to understand that the Legislation and Judiciary Committee will thoroughly deliberate within the grand principle of separating investigation and prosecution, and the DPK will fully go through these processes.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: And there is a possibility that the proposals of Representatives Hong Ki-won and Kim Nam-hee will be reflected?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Of course. We are still in the process of the legislative subcommittee.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Understood. You are working very hard, serving on the Policy Committee, the Criminal Procedure Act Amendment TF, and the NEC Reform TF. Since you are working so hard, regarding that...
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Well, someone has to guard the stable and raise the cattle.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: The NEC Reform TF is something both the ruling and opposition parties are working on together, as everyone agrees on the need for reform. However, there is a standoff over the right to recommend the special counsel. The opposition (PPP) is asking for the recommendation right, while the ruling party (DPK) says it should be given to a third party.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: However, the opposition's claim is difficult to accept. Representative Jang Dong-hyeok has made many absurd claims, such as the opposition demanding a re-election. So,
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: But Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sig said that is not the case, right?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: That is why I believe the DPK's proposal was the most reasonable way to resolve this issue. As a compromise, we suggested giving it to a third party, such as having the Korea Law Professors Association, the Korean Bar Association, or the Korea Association of Law Schools recommend and appoint them. We prepared a very reasonable compromise, but they seem to remain stubborn. In my view, it seems to be due to their complex internal floor situation, which is preventing them from entering the National Assembly right now. I think they will accept it and return soon.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Really? By internal floor situation, do you mean, for example, that Representative Jang Dong-hyeok and Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sig have different views?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: There is that, and there are likely hardliners and those who want to return to the National Assembly quickly within the party. I understand they are going through that process.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: In fact, this is not such a major point of contention. The DPK is not asking to make the recommendation, nor is the PPP. The DPK's proposal is to have reliable organizations that have done this in the past and can do so reasonably make the recommendation. They should just accept it and return.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: As I mentioned earlier, the Criminal Procedure Act bill can also be discussed together once they enter the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Right now, the most important thing is for the PPP to return to the National Assembly.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: That complex situation tied to returning to the National Assembly. Regarding that, both the return and negotiations are currently tangled. It seems there are rumors from the PPP side about using this NEC special counsel recommendation right and the negotiations on committee formation as a barter, using it as an exit strategy for the committee formation negotiations. What is your view on this?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: I understand they decided yesterday to leave it to their floor leadership. In the end, I think they will accept the reasonable proposal made by the DPK and return.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: The committee formation negotiations?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Yes.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: So the PPP will have no choice but to accept the seven committees?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: We have already made plenty of concessions during the process, and the PPP has no justification. As you know, Representative Jang Dong-hyeok and Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sig continue to make completely different arguments. Since re-election and a special counsel are entirely different matters, I think it is about time for them to return.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Understood. Let's talk about policy, since you are in charge of the Policy Committee. Starting today, the government is holding a forum on real estate to listen to the voices of the public. Next week, a public debate directly hosted by the President will also be held. What kind of discussions do you expect to take place?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Yesterday, the party and the government held a consultation meeting regarding the economic growth strategy for the second half of the year. In the afternoon, the President hosted the National Fiscal Strategy Meeting. In terms of the broad direction, the government is entirely focused on taking care of public livelihoods and how to invest the excess tax revenue generated by the semiconductor cycle for the future. I believe the party needs to support that well.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: As you mentioned, real estate-related discussions are scheduled. We will discuss taxes and supply-related issues in each area, and hold a comprehensive discussion on July 23. I believe it is necessary for the public to voice various opinions and provide diverse ideas.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: I hope the discussion on July 23 will focus on how to guarantee housing stability on a national scale, rather than simply aiming to restrict high-priced apartments in specific areas. I hope the public will share their opinions from this perspective.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: However, the PPP criticizes the real estate forum as a "pre-determined conclusion"?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: I do not think so. Considering the pragmatic path and actions shown by the Lee Jae-myung administration over the past year, they seem to be trapped in their own past actions. On the contrary, I believe this forum will allow various opinions to be fully expressed. In particular, experts have recently pointed out that liquidity has increased in various aspects, and there are voices emphasizing that more supply is needed and that policies merely restricting prices have limits. I think such voices can fully emerge.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Therefore, I believe the focus of the current policy lies in how to improve supply.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Now that the election is over, how are the discussions on tax reform progressing?
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Tax reform directions are typically announced in late July, and then processed alongside next year's budget proposal at the end of the year. It will likely be announced during that process, and then discussed and processed in the National Assembly at the end of the year. This is not a special event unique to this year; you can understand it as part of that standard process. Even after the announcement, it must go through discussions in the National Assembly.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Understood. Since you are the ruling party's executive secretary of the National Assembly Policy Committee, let me ask you just one short question related to the committee.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: We have a very diverse range of topics today.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: It is about Homeplus. Since all stores have entered temporary closures, it is practically bankrupt. I see that the National Policy Committee is planning to hold a hearing targeting MBK and Meritz. Can the National Assembly establish any measures? There are issues regarding the employees, tenant businesses, and suppliers who have not received their payments.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: This hearing is something we have been saying is absolutely necessary since the first half of our term in the National Policy Committee. However, with bankruptcy virtually imminent, and seeing many crying employees in the media today, it is truly heartbreaking. In that regard, we are currently preparing for the hearing. Our position is to conduct the hearing together as soon as the PPP returns.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Yes.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: As the ruling party's executive secretary, my view is that if the PPP does not return within a reasonable and swift timeframe, it would be appropriate to proceed with the hearing alongside other opposition parties, such as the Rebuilding Korea Party and the Social Democratic Party. In that sense, it is right for the National Policy Committee to hold the hearing in its proper form. We are waiting for the PPP, but if we decide we can no longer wait, we are in agreement with other lawmakers to push ahead with the hearing immediately.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Understood. Representative, this is truly the last question. The KOSPI has collapsed below 7,000. Since it rose a lot, it could fall, but analysis suggests that one of the various reasons for the accelerated plunge was the single-stock leverage ETF. The Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) also recently expressed regret.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Recently, our Capital Market TF summoned the FSS and received a report on this issue. We told them to monitor this issue much more cautiously and strictly. While funds are concentrating on major conglomerates, experts point out that this is highly likely due to the nature of single-stock ETFs, so we instructed them to prepare countermeasures. I believe the government will also announce additional measures regarding this. In that regard, it is important for the National Policy Committee to normalize quickly to monitor these issues and propose alternatives.
 
▷Kim Tae-hyun: Understood. We have been speaking with Representative Park Sang-hyuk of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is working hard on multiple fronts. Thank you.
 
▶Park Sang-hyuk: Thank you. See you again.

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