Rival parties continued to clash on May 4 over the ruling Democratic Party's (DP) push for a special counsel bill to probe alleged evidence fabrication by the prosecution under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The bill targets 12 ongoing cases, including eight linked to President Lee Jae Myung. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) denounced it as an unconstitutional bid to shield Lee.
SEOUL, May 4 (Yonhap) -- Rival parties clashed on Monday over the ruling Democratic Party's (DP) push for a special counsel bill to investigate allegations that the prosecution under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration fabricated evidence to indict then-opposition leader Lee Jae Myung in multiple cases, including alleged illegal remittances to North Korea and a development corruption scandal.
The bill grants the special counsel authority to take over 12 ongoing cases -- eight connected to President Lee -- and decide whether to proceed or drop them if fabrication is found. A DP-led parliamentary special committee wrapped up its monthlong probe on Thursday, filing complaints against 31 witnesses for perjury and other charges. The DP introduced the bill unilaterally that day, stressing the need for an independent probe to ensure fairness.
President Lee, through senior presidential secretary for political affairs Hong Ihk-pyo, urged "the DP, as the ruling party, to decide the specific timing and procedures through public input and careful deliberation." Hong called the probe "a must," citing exposed illegal acts under Yoon.
The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) strongly denounced the move, labeling it a blatant attempt to shield Lee from suspended trials and warning it undermines separation of powers. PPP lawmakers held an emergency National Assembly meeting Monday, slamming it as an effort to "wipe away Lee's crimes." Tensions are expected to persist as the DP-controlled assembly seeks passage ahead of the June 3 local elections.
