Jang Dong-hyuk Urges President Lee to Exercise Veto Power on 'Stronger Special Prosecutor Law & Treason Special Court Law'

At First Luncheon Meeting, "Request to Create and Keep Open Communication Channels Between Ruling Party, Opposition, and Government"

"Unreasonable Special Prosecutor Investigations Can Be Perceived Internationally as Human Rights Abuses and Religious Persecution"

President Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk (Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Han Sang-gyun = President Lee Jae-myung is in conversation with People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk at the Yongsan Presidential Office during the luncheon meeting with the ruling and opposition party leaders on the 8th. 2025.9.8 [Presidential Office Photojournalist Corps] xyz@yna.co.kr

On the 8th, People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk met with President Lee Jae-myung and proposed the exercise of the right of objection (veto power) on the so-called 'Stronger Special Prosecutor Bill' and the 'Treason Special Court Establishment Bill' being pushed by the Democratic Party of Korea.

In his opening remarks at the first luncheon meeting with President Lee and the ruling and opposition party leaders held at the Yongsan Presidential Office that day, Leader Jang stated, "The President should take necessary measures, even if it means exercising the right of objection."

He continued, "If we are to revive the livelihood of the people and restore politics, I propose that the President boldly exercise the right of objection on the bills to extend the special prosecutor's term or establish a special court."

He added, "Otherwise, the public might misunderstand that these bills are ultimately in line with the President's intentions."

The 'Stronger Special Prosecutor Bill' mentioned by Leader Jang involves significantly expanding the investigation period, scope, and personnel for three special prosecutors (treason, Kim Keon-hee, and deceased Marine special prosecutors), and live-streaming relevant trials to the public. This bill is currently on the verge of being passed by the National Assembly plenary session, having cleared the hurdle of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, spearheaded by the Democratic Party of Korea.

The 'Special Bill on Post-Measures of the December 3 Emergency Martial Law and Protection of Whistleblowers' (Treason Special Bill), which includes the establishment of a treason special court, is under review by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee 1.

Leader Jang requested, "For the sake of the people's livelihood and the economy, please create and continuously keep open communication channels where the President, the government, the ruling party, and the opposition party can brainstorm together."

This is interpreted as a de facto proposal for a standing consultative body for national governance discussions between the ruling and opposition parties and the government.

President Lee Jae-myung listens to the remarks of People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk, who attended the luncheon meeting with the ruling and opposition party leaders at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 8th. 2025.9.8 [Presidential Office Photojournalist Corps] xyz@yna.co.kr

Criticism regarding special prosecutor investigations also continued. Leader Jang remarked, "In the past 100 days since the inauguration, special prosecutors have been more visible than the President, and it seems there are concerns that only the Democratic Party of Korea is visible in the National Assembly, not the opposition parties. While we view special prosecutors as a reckoning with the past, unreasonable investigations by special prosecutors can be perceived internationally as human rights abuses or religious persecution."

Regarding government policies, Leader Jang stated, "The Commercial Act and the 'Yellow Envelope Bill' have been passed, and while you speak of strong enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, a vicious cycle continues with the worsening construction market, sluggish domestic demand, and an increase in bankruptcies of small business owners. Please create an environment where businesses can breathe and operate smoothly."

Concerning real estate policy, he expressed concern, "There are worries that the measures are supply-side-oriented and far from the desires of consumers. I hope for supply policies that are private-led and consumer-centric, rather than regulation-focused."

Regarding the government's organizational reform plan, he said, "I hope it will be an organizational reform for the entire nation, not for specific groups."

Regarding the arrest of Koreans at the construction site of a joint battery factory between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, USA, he pointed out, "An incident that should not happen in an allied country has occurred. We need to carefully examine why it had to be in Korea now and what the diplomatic agreements were."

In attendance at the meeting from the Presidential Office were Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho, and Political Secretary Kim Byung-wook. From the Democratic Party of Korea were Representative's Chief of Staff Han Min-soo and Senior Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun. From the People Power Party were Representative's Chief of Staff Park Joon-tae and Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-hoon.

President Lee Jae-myung holds a luncheon meeting with the ruling and opposition party leaders at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 8th. 2025.9.8 [Presidential Office Photojournalist Corps] xyz@yna.co.kr