Ruling DP presses second probe as opposition resists

Jan 16, 2026, 07:54 am

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People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stages a hunger strike at the National Assembly rotunda on Jan. 15, urging the ruling bloc to accept special prosecutors into allegations involving the Unification Church and nomination fund scandals. / Lee Byeong-hwa

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea on Thursday pushed ahead with a second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, prompting fierce resistance from the opposition People Power Party, which responded with a hunger strike and a filibuster.

The bill, formally titled the “second comprehensive special prosecutor act,” covers investigations into alleged insurrection-related offenses, first lady Kim Keon-hee, and the death of Marine Cpl. Chae. The Democratic Party framed the legislation as a non-negotiable step toward “ending insurrection and restoring normal governance.”

During a plenary session of the National Assembly of South Korea, lawmakers first passed 11 livelihood-related bills by bipartisan agreement, including a law aimed at preventing telecom-based financial fraud. Tensions flared once the second special prosecutor bill was introduced, triggering a filibuster by opposition parties.

Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader of the minor Reform Party, opened the filibuster, arguing that what the country needs is not a “recycled second special probe,” but investigations into alleged corruption involving the current administration, including claims tied to the Unification Church and nomination funding.

Earlier in the day, the Democratic Party held a policy caucus meeting to justify pressing ahead with the bill. Party leader Jung Cheong-rae said wrapping up unresolved investigations through a comprehensive special prosecutor was “the path to national normalization.” Floor leader Han Byung-do vowed to see the bill passed to restore state discipline.

The People Power Party countered with a rally at the Assembly rotunda. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk accused the ruling party of engaging in “insurrection politics” to gain an edge in upcoming local elections, saying no new evidence had emerged despite a year of accusations. He then announced he would begin a hunger strike at the rotunda to demand acceptance of alternative special probes.

Last-minute negotiations over a separate Unification Church probe collapsed ahead of the session. The Assembly is expected to remain deadlocked until the filibuster is forcibly ended on Friday, with a vote on the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill likely later that afternoon.

#National Assembly #special prosecutor #Democratic Party #People Power Party #filibuster