South Korea National Assembly Passes Special Counsel Bill

The National Assembly of South Korea passed a special counsel bill on Friday to investigate allegations of malicious prosecution and abuse of power by the Prosecution Service, the National Intelligence Service, and the Board of Audit and Inspection under the previous administration. The legislation passed with 167 votes in favor and one against after the opposition People Power Party ended a 24-hour filibuster and boycotted the final vote.

President Lee Jae Myung is one of the primary subjects of the probe, which covers 12 cases including a development corruption scandal and alleged illegal remittances to North Korea. The investigation also extends to former President Moon Jae-in. The special counsel team may consist of up to 309 members and has 200 days to complete its work.

The bill's path to passage was marked by intense partisan conflict. During an initial subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, People Power Party lawmakers walked out, claiming the bill aimed to cancel criminal indictments against Lee. Democratic Party Representative Kim Eui-kyeom countered these claims, stating that all clauses related to the cancellation of indictments had been deleted. Under the new law, President Lee will appoint the special counsel from three candidates recommended by the Democratic Party, the People Power Party, and the Rebuilding Korea Party.