Lawmakers from the broader ruling bloc, including the Democratic Party of Korea and the Rebuilding Korea Party, clashed today (September 16) during discussions on an amendment to the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes at a subcommittee of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

The First Bill Review Subcommittee convened today to discuss follow-up legislation concerning the overhaul of the criminal justice system, including the sexual violence bill.

At issue was the admissibility as evidence of video recordings of sexual violence victims under the proposed bill.

Current law mandates that statements and the investigation process be recorded on video to protect sexual violence victims under the age of 19. However, the amendment created an exception clause preventing recordings from being admitted as evidence even if video is recorded during interviews with prosecutors.

Regarding this, Representative Kim Nam-hee of the Democratic Party of Korea reportedly argued that the exception was granted excessively and that the clause should be reconsidered to ensure the protection of sexual assault victims.

In contrast, Representative Kim Yong-min of the same party and Representative Park Eun-jeong of the Rebuilding Korea Party reportedly pushed for the bill's passage, arguing that the principles of prosecution reform must be maintained.

During the debate, heated exchanges broke out among the lawmakers, and Representatives Kim Yong-min and Park Eun-jeong walked out of the room just before the vote, disrupting the meeting.

The meeting did not resume following the recess.

Representative Kim Nam-hee later wrote on Facebook, "Is inserting forced clauses that disregard both the minimal principles of criminal justice procedures and the protection of victims truly the spirit of prosecution reform?" She added, "I believe reform should at least be reasonable. I find it difficult to agree with the content of this amendment."

Meanwhile, before the disruption occurred, the subcommittee passed other measures, including amendments to the Prosecutors' Disciplinary Act and the Criminal Procedure Act.

(Photo: Yonhap News)