Democratic Party acting floor leader Jeon Joo-hoon and members of the government investigation special committee submitted a bill on April 30 at the National Assembly in Seoul for a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of political prosecution manipulation under President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Push for Special Counsel Amid Internal Pushback
The Democratic Party advances a special counsel bill targeting unlawful personnel appointments and abuse of authority in major data leak cases. Party leaders plan to introduce and pass the legislation during the plenary session on May 7.
Election Fears Spark Emergency Meetings
With the June 3 by-elections approaching, some capital region party camps convened emergency meetings. They argue that forcing the bill through now endangers the entire election effort.
Officials from the party chairman’s office emphasized to leaders in the conservative Taegu-Kyongbuk (TK) region via Telegram channels that the special counsel must follow the by-elections.
One capital region camp insider stated, “Not only TK but voices within the capital area demand passage of the bill. The party needs to deliver a unified message through a full meeting before leadership decides.”
Regional Polls Highlight Risks
The bill carries particular weight in Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam and Daegu-Gyeongbuk regions. A Korea Research survey from April 27-28 showed nationwide support for a special probe at 42.9% versus 38.1% opposition.
However, opposition surges in those key areas: 48.2% against in Daegu-Gyeongbuk and 46.2% in Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam, compared to support levels of 37.6% and 37.8% respectively.
