South Korea Panel Approves Extension for Special Prosecutor's Probe

A special bill to extend the investigative period for a special prosecutor has cleared the Justice and Legislation Committee, propelled by the Democratic Party. This move paves the way for a potential third extension of a special prosecutor's term, a situation unprecedented in South Korea.

The proposed amendment to the special law would grant the special prosecutor the authority to extend the investigation period by 30 days, with the possibility of two such extensions subject to presidential approval. Currently, only one extension is permitted. The bill also seeks to increase the number of seconded public officials from 130 to 150 and add the Ministry of National Defense to the list of requesting agencies.

If the bill successfully passes the National Assembly, the current special prosecutor's investigation, scheduled to conclude on August 24, would be extended until September 23. The Democratic Party aims to have the bill passed in the plenary session next week, as the current regulations require the extension to be announced in a cabinet meeting no later than August 21.

However, the People Power Party has voiced strong opposition to the extension. Floor leader Jeong Jin-seok criticized the prolonged nature of the investigations, questioning how much longer they would continue. The party also argued that extending the investigation period again, so close to its expiration, implicitly admits a lack of investigative progress under the current framework.

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For how much longer will you extend the investigation period?