Lawmakers of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the Democratic Party have decided to coordinate with the party leadership to determine the timing for pursuing the "Special Counsel Bill on Fabricated Indictments."

Rep. Seo Young-kyo, chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Kim Seung-won, the ruling party's secretary of the committee, met with reporters today (the 28th) at the Inspire Hotel in Incheon and shared the results of the sub-committee discussions held during the workshop the previous day.

Rep. Kim stated, "It is right to launch a special counsel to uncover the truth about fabricated indictments," adding, "The consensus was reached to decide the timing in consultation with the leadership."

Rep. Seo remarked, "There is a consensus that we must hold people thoroughly accountable for investigation and indictment fabrications," noting, "A new leadership has been formed, and we will discuss it together."

She continued, "While police officers are immediately arrested and punished if they make a mistake, prosecutors face no proper accountability or punishment for countless actions," emphasizing, "We plan to take the necessary steps to ensure that (prosecutors, too) are firmly punished."

In yesterday's discussion, "judicial reform," including the amendment of the Court Organization Act sparked by the controversy over Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-de's written nomination of Supreme Court justices, was also handled as a core agenda item.

The judiciary committee members agreed that Chief Justice Cho Hee-de should withdraw his nomination, and that they would otherwise proceed with follow-up measures such as amending the Court Organization Act.

Rep. Kim conveyed, "The conclusion was reached that, prior to amending the Court Organization Act, it is right for Cho Hee-de to voluntarily withdraw the current candidate nomination made without consultation, and re-nominate one of the remaining three candidates from the initial pool in consultation with the President."

He added, "Otherwise, we will judge it as a violation of the Court Organization Act and proceed not only with the witness attendance on the 31st (at the Judiciary Committee) but also take subsequent steps," explaining, "There were even discussions that it is necessary to specify or enshrine related provisions in the Court Organization Act if needed."

Rep. Seo likewise emphasized, "It is known to the whole world that there should have been sufficient consultation and agreement when nominating Supreme Court justice candidate Son Bong-ki, which was not the case," adding, "I hope there will be a prompt re-nomination of Supreme Court justices through sufficient consultation and agreement regarding the remaining candidates."

The discussions also covered the revision of the crime of breach of trust, the expansion of the scope of application of class action systems, a total overhaul of the property sector in the Civil Act, and the Family Litigation Act.

Regarding the revision of the crime of breach of trust, Rep. Kim stated, "We heard from the Vice Minister of Justice's report that a special punishment provision regarding property crimes is currently being prepared," and added, "We will review it in detail in the National Assembly to ensure it does not become an obstacle when companies make bold investments."

(Photo: Yonhap News)