Choo Mi-ae, the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee and a representative of the Democratic Party, asked Na Kyung-won from the People Power Party if she intended to apologize during a committee meeting. Na refused to apologize and insisted that the issue of appointing a secretary must be addressed. The confrontation between Choo and Na has intensified as they clashed again over this issue.
During the meeting, Choo inquired about Na’s willingness to apologize for her remark made to a first-term lawmaker, which was perceived as dismissive. Na criticized Choo for not submitting the agenda for her appointment as the opposition’s secretary to the committee. Na argued that according to the National Assembly Act, this agenda should naturally be addressed, while Choo countered, questioning Na’s qualifications.
Previously, Na had admonished Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sung-yoon to stay out of certain discussions, which led to further controversy. Following the incident, Democratic parties submitted a disciplinary proposal against Na, and in response, the People Power Party filed an ethics complaint against Choo.
Additionally, a revised special prosecutor bill concerning illegal rebellion, a case involving Kim Kun-hee, and another involving Cha Sang-byeong was sent to the committee for adjustment. This bill aims to strengthen investigation resources and extend the broadcast of trial proceedings. Concerns about potential constitutional violations were raised, particularly regarding the live broadcast of trials, which could exert undue pressure on witnesses.
Na has criticized the special prosecutor bill amendments, seeing them as politically motivated, especially ahead of local elections. She expressed concerns about the potential for indefinite extensions of these investigations, a point which was acknowledged by the court administration.
The proposal to establish a special tribunal for rebellion-related cases was also reviewed. This tribunal formation has been advocated by Democrats, who have questioned the existing court’s impartiality following the dismissal of recent arrest warrants. However, court administration officials warned that such actions might infringe on judicial independence.