The Presidential Office on the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act: "An Unconstitutional Bill, Veto Must Be Exercised"

 

On July 1, Chief Secretary Jeong Jin-seok of the Presidential Office appeared before the National Assembly Steering Committee to rebut allegations raised by opposition lawmakers regarding the investigation into Chae Sang-byeong's death and the acceptance of a Dior bag by First Lady Kim Keon-hee.

Presidential Office's Stance on the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act

Chief Secretary Jeong stated, "A bill with potential constitutional issues must naturally be subject to veto (request for reconsideration)." He emphasized, "The right to request reconsideration is both the president's authority and duty. Failing to exercise this right in the face of clear unconstitutional issues would be a neglect of duty by the president."

Jeong highlighted that the Special Prosecutor Act should be formulated through bipartisan agreement. He argued that since investigation and prosecution fall under the executive branch's authority and the president is the head of the executive branch, the appointment of a special prosecutor solely based on opposition party recommendations violates the principle of separation of powers. He pointed out that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) already functions as a permanent special prosecutor-like body. Thus, introducing another special prosecutor while the CIO's investigation is ongoing would create a redundant oversight structure.

Jeong suggested waiting for the results of the current intense investigations by the CIO and the prosecution. If these results are deemed insufficient, then proposing a special prosecutor would not be too late.

Jeong also emphasized that the core issue in the Chae Sang-byeong case is an act of insubordination by Colonel Park Jung-hoon, who disobeyed a legitimate order from the then Minister of National Defense.

Rebuttal of Allegations and the Presidential Office's Position

Jeong refuted the claims of external pressure alleged by Colonel Park, stating, "There is no verified substance or evidence to these claims, only hearsay and subjective feelings." In contrast, he argued that the insubordination charge has clear substance and evidence, as it involves Colonel Park's failure to comply with the minister's legitimate order.

Rep. Kang Min-guk of the ruling People Power Party stressed, "A special prosecutor is an exceptional and supplementary measure, to be implemented only when necessary." He explained that prolonging the politicization of the Chae Sang-byeong case would only cause more concern among the public, and it should now be left to legal judgment.

The Dior Bag Incident Involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee

 

During the session, questions were also raised about First Lady Kim Keon-hee's acceptance of a Dior bag. Jeong clarified that the bag is "kept in its original packaging within the Presidential Office." This was the first public statement from the Presidential Office on the matter since the allegations emerged.

Jeong criticized Pastor Choi, who claimed to be acquainted with the First Lady's late father, for deliberately approaching and illegally recording and filming the incident. He described it as a "low and despicable political maneuver."

Rep. Kang Min-guk called for a thorough investigation into this maneuver and its orchestrators, to which Jeong agreed.

President Yoon's Remarks on the Itaewon Tragedy

The meeting also addressed the Itaewon tragedy, where former National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo's memoir suggested that President Yoon mentioned the possibility of fabrication. However, PR Chief Yi Do-un clarified that President Yoon never made such remarks. Yi explained that President Yoon only instructed that all raised suspicions should be thoroughly investigated.

Conclusion

Chief Secretary Jeong Jin-seok's statements underscored the potential unconstitutionality of the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act and the necessity of presidential veto. He also clarified the Presidential Office's stance on the allegations surrounding First Lady Kim Keon-hee's Dior bag, highlighting the commitment to transparency and adherence to legal procedures. This session reaffirmed the Presidential Office's intent to respond legally and maintain transparency.

 

 

 

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