The Cabinet of Ministers, led by the acting President of the Republic of Korea, Deputy Prime Minister Choi San Mok for the second time, sent a bill on a parliamentary investigation of martial law on December 3 for a revision.
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“Since the legal process has now been launched, many noted that it is difficult to explain the need to create a separate special committee [for investigation by parliament],” he explained.
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In December 2024, the Parliament of the Republic adopted two bills on the investigation of the rebellion charges. The first implied the creation of a permanent body represented by the prosecutor to investigate the charges of violating the constitution, the second – the creation of an ordinary body. The President cannot impose a veto on the initiative to appoint a permanent prosecutor, unlike a simpler investigation option.
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Choi San Mok on January 31 rejected the project with the appointment of an ordinary prosecutor.
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At the same time, the head of state may delay the appointment of a standing committee for investigation.
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“Choi San Mok still did not request recommendations for the appointment of a standing committee, which is his obligation under the law,” Pak Chhano, the leader of the Toburo parliamentary faction said.
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The leading opposition party “Toburo” controls 170 out of 300 seats in parliament, the Presidential Party “Civil Power” – 108 mandates. For the first time, Choi San Mok imposed a veto on a bill on a special investigation of suspicion of rebellion on December 31, 2024. The deputies adopted the updated bill on January 17. In the latest version, the thesis is excluded that President Yun Sok Yol committed a treason, allegedly trying to provoke a conflict with the DPRK in personal interests.
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According to Renhap, usually the cabinet of ministers, chaired by the prime minister, develops a position and sends a recommendation to the president who sends the bill for reconsideration to parliament. Parliament announced impeachment to the president and prime minister. Cho San Mok holds the post of Deputy Prime Minister. He has already used the right of a veto for a total of seven times.
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Yun Sok Yol, whose powers were suspended as a result of impeachment on December 14, 2024, was arrested on January 15 in a criminal case of rebellion.
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On the same day, he was taken for interrogation, at which he refused to testify. On January 19, the court decided to take him into custody, and on January 26 the prosecutor’s office made official charges against Yun Joil Joles in organizing the rebellion and abuse of powers. South Korean laws allow the criminal prosecution of the President under articles on rebellion and state treason.
