“Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Geon-hee ‘Need More’ Investigation”… The Democratic Party Raises Calls for Extending Special Investigation Period

The spreading call for an extension of the special investigation… Could it become a political powder keg?

Following the unprecedented simultaneous arrest of a former presidential couple, discussions around extending the special investigation are intensifying not only within the ruling party but also among citizens. The opinion is growing that this is not just "political news," but "national news."

As additional suspicions arise during the investigation, claims are being made that it will be difficult to complete the investigation by the deadline set by the current special investigation law, which is the end of November to December this year. If the extension of the special investigation materializes, some forecasts suggest it could impact next year's local elections.

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The People Power Party is strongly opposing this, claiming it to be "political oppression," but they are unable to garner support in public opinion.

Within the Democratic Party: "Current deadline is insufficient… extension is necessary."

On the 16th, during an appearance on the YouTube program "Kim Eo-jun's Dasen-Baida," Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Gi-pyo stated, "Even if it’s finished by the end of November, it seems the investigation won’t be complete." He added, "A decision is needed on whether to extend the special investigation or hand it over to the existing investigative agencies."

Co-host Park Joo-min also emphasized, "We can extend the special investigation, or we can create a new special investigation law," stating that "a decision just needs to be made."

Democratic Party spokesperson Moon Geum-joo also remarked during a briefing on the 17th that "some lawmakers are proposing the idea of an extension," adding, "The leadership within the National Assembly will discuss and decide on it." Previously, Park Chan-dae, who challenged for the party leadership, had argued during a party convention debate that "we can extend the deadline for the special investigation and expand the scope and personnel for it to be re-proposed."

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Legal circles: "The Kim Geon-hee special investigation is expanding beyond initial expectations."

According to the current special investigation law, the insurrection special investigation and the Kim Geon-hee special investigation can be extended with presidential approval for a second time, with investigations needing to be concluded by early December at the latest. The Chae Hae-byeong special investigation has a maximum deadline of early November. However, voices are growing within the ruling party advocating for a revision of the special investigation law to open the path for further extension.

Concerns are echoed within the legal community. A lawyer who is a former prosecutor stated, "In a situation where former President Yoon and his spouse refuse to testify, a thorough investigation of the surrounding circumstances cannot be accomplished in the current 5-6 month timeframe."

Particularly in the case of the Kim Geon-hee special investigation, additional suspicions like the Myung-tae-kyun Gate are emerging one after another, expanding the scope of the investigation. Legal experts are increasingly aligning with the opinion that an "extension of the special investigation is inevitable."

People Power Party: "Political oppression… extension is not possible."

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The issue is that if the special investigation continues into early next year, it could directly influence the local election landscape. Analysis indicates that political repercussions are inevitable, with key figures in the ruling party being connected to suspicions.

The People Power Party immediately responded with opposition.

Chief Spokesperson Choi Eun-seok stated, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is trying to use the special investigation as a pretext to drag the issues surrounding former President Yoon’s couple into the local elections," emphasizing that "there is no possibility of extending the investigation period."

However, there are also opinions within the opposition party that "an extension of the special investigation could actually be an opportunity for the People Power Party." Some suggest, "It's better to clear out issues that need addressing," while others contend that "if they continue to pursue the investigation without any substantial outcomes, public sentiment may turn against them."

Image source: Kim Geon-hee, spouse of former President Yoon Seok-yeol / News1, Former President Yoon Seok-yeol / News1, The former presidential couple / News1