**National Assembly Begins 25-Day Audit Effort**
**834 Institutions Under Review in 17 Standing Committees**
**Jeong Cheong-rae: “Last Chance for Cho Hui-dae”**
**Jang Dong-hyeok: “Kim Hyun-ji Must Be Summoned”**
On October 13, the first parliamentary audit of state affairs under the Lee Jae-myung administration commenced, lasting until November 6. Reviews will be conducted for 25 days across 834 affiliated institutions of 17 standing committees.
The audit is expected to see intense political confrontations, as both the previous and current administrations face scrutiny. The Democratic Party aims to utilize the audit as an opportunity to settle internal conflicts following the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl. Meanwhile, the People Power Party intends to highlight the shortcomings of the Lee Jae-myung administration, inaugurated in June.
Significant battlegrounds for this audit include the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, and the Operating Committee. The Legislative Committee, known for including strong Democratic Party members, is conducting an unprecedented two-part Supreme Court audit. Sessions will be held at the National Assembly in Yeouido and subsequently at the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong. Democratic Party members plan to directly question Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hui-dae about the circumstances surrounding the court’s decision to uphold a guilty verdict against President Lee for violations of public election law, as well as supposed meetings between Cho and Prime Minister Han Deok-soo.
In the Operating Committee, the People Power Party is pressing for testimony from Kim Hyun-ji, President Lee’s top aide, and Bong-wook, the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs. They are also focusing on recent events, such as the death of a Yangpyeong County official under investigation related to suspicions about First Lady Kim Gun-hee, and controversially recent actions involving former Broadcasting and Communications Commission Chairman Lee Jin-sook.
Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae emphasized the importance of the audit in upholding the principles of separation of powers and correcting governmental oversight. He stated that this could be a pivotal moment for judicial reform, urging Chief Justice Cho to fully cooperate.
On the other hand, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok criticized the Democratic Party’s approach, accusing it of trying to oust Chief Justice Cho and pressuring him with legal threats. He highlighted the People’s Party’s commitment to addressing political power abuses and the necessity for key figures to testify.
Jang also mentioned the tragic case of the Yangpyeong official, rejecting claims of coercion by investigators. He called attention to President Lee’s instructions for full cooperation with the audit, questioning if this indicates a start of presidential lame-duck status. Jang reiterated demands for the special prosecutor, Kim, and Bong to appear at the audit.