Democratic Party Slams Yoon's 'Shameless' Investigation Refusal as Special Counsel Intensifies Probe

Democratic Party's Fierce Response to Yoon's Investigation Defiance

The political tension in South Korea has reached a boiling point as the Democratic Party launched a scathing attack on former President Yoon Suk-yeol's continued refusal to cooperate with special counsel investigations. On July 16, Kim Byung-ki, the party's acting leader and floor leader, delivered harsh criticism during a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol again refused to comply with a second summons for questioning by the special counsel investigating insurrection charges. His legal team stated there has been no change in circumstances since the previous summons. The Democratic Party's response was swift and uncompromising, with Kim Byung-ki declaring that Yoon's obstinate refusal to undergo investigation constitutes a clear violation of special prosecution law.

The party's frustration was palpable as Kim stated: The person who most trampled on democracy is receiving democratic legal procedures and protection, which is truly ironic. He is arrogant, shameless, and frankly speaking, not in his right mind. This rhetoric reflects the deep political divisions that have emerged following Yoon's detention and the ongoing investigation into his role in the December 3 martial law declaration.

Special Counsel's Struggle with Correctional Authorities

The confrontation between the special counsel team and correctional authorities has become a central issue in the ongoing investigation. The Democratic Party criticized what they described as the complacent and self-serving attitude of correctional authorities, expressing strong regret over their handling of the situation.

Kim Byung-ki pointed out the apparent double standard in the treatment of Yoon compared to ordinary inmates: Would the prosecution refuse to comply with orders if regular inmates said they didn't want to be investigated? This is clearly preferential treatment. The special counsel team had attempted to bring Yoon from the Seoul Detention Center to the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office for questioning, but correctional authorities conveyed Yoon's refusal to appear.

Assistant Special Counsel Park Ji-young emphasized during a press briefing that while the right to remain silent is a defendant's right, a detained suspect's refusal to appear for questioning is not protected. The Democratic Party has called for the special counsel team to consider appropriate legal responsibility for correctional authorities who do not follow the special counsel's direct orders, describing this as a stern command from the people.

Mounting Calls for Prosecutorial Reform

The ongoing investigation has intensified debates about prosecutorial reform in South Korea. Han Jun-ho, a supreme council member, raised suspicions about the prosecution's inadequate investigation during the Yoon administration, arguing that the justification for prosecutorial reform is growing stronger.

The Democratic Party has proposed sweeping legislative changes to overhaul the prosecution system, including the abolition of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the creation of three new bodies: the Prosecution Service Office, the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, and the National Investigation Commission. These reforms aim to separate prosecutorial powers, with indictments handled by one agency and investigations by another.

Han Jun-ho's criticism was particularly pointed: During the three years of the Yoon administration, the prosecution was merely a dull blade that Yoon and Kim Keon-hee could easily wield. We need to coldly judge whether the prosecution needs investigative authority. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the politicization of the prosecution service and its independence from executive influence.

Special Counsel Raids Intensify Kim Keon-hee Investigation

The special counsel's investigation has expanded beyond Yoon's insurrection charges to include allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon-hee. Recent raids have targeted multiple locations, including the national police agency and lawmakers' offices. The investigation focuses on allegations that Kim meddled in the People Power Party's nomination of candidates for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and 2024 general elections.

On July 14, the special counsel team raided approximately 10 locations, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as part of its probe into a controversial expressway project suspected of having been rerouted to benefit the Kim family financially. The Seoul-Yangpyeong expressway project allegations suggest that the government changed the endpoint to where Kim's family owns land in Yangpyeong, potentially increasing land values.

These developments have prompted Democratic Party members to question why the prosecution missed so many issues during their investigations. As Han Jun-ho noted: The more the special counsel investigation progresses, the more questions arise about why the prosecution missed so many things. This criticism highlights the perceived failures of the prosecution service under Yoon's administration.

National Assembly Hearings and Political Deadlock

The political crisis has extended to National Assembly confirmation hearings for Lee Jae-myung administration's first cabinet nominees. The Democratic Party has called for cooperation from the People Power Party in these proceedings, criticizing what they see as obstructionist tactics.

Kim Byung-joo, a supreme council member, criticized the People Power Party's approach to Defense Minister nominee Ahn Kyu-baek's confirmation hearing: The People Power Party raised unilateral suspicions about military service matters during the hearing and drove the session into chaos despite the nominee's explanations. This represents typical foot-dragging behavior by the People Power Party that abandons national security concerns.

The Democratic Party has emphasized that National Assembly members from the People Power Party previously urged prompt appointment of a Defense Minister, citing serious security gaps. The party argues that if the opposition is truly concerned about national security, they should cooperate with the nominee's appointment consent bill. Lee Eon-joo, another supreme council member, noted that confirmation hearing week was ongoing and called for productive hearings that meet public expectations.

Community Reactions and Public Sentiment

The political drama surrounding Yoon's investigation refusal has generated intense reactions across South Korean online communities. On platforms like DC Inside and FM Korea, users have expressed frustration with what they perceive as Yoon's privileged treatment compared to ordinary citizens facing legal proceedings.

Many netizens have echoed the Democratic Party's criticism, with comments such as: If regular people refused to cooperate with investigations like this, they would face immediate consequences. Why should a former president be any different? The sentiment reflects broader public dissatisfaction with perceived elite impunity.

However, Yoon's supporters on conservative platforms have defended his actions, arguing that he has the right to legal representation and due process. They contend that the special counsel investigation is politically motivated and that Yoon is being unfairly persecuted. This division in public opinion mirrors the broader political polarization in South Korean society following the martial law crisis.

Looking Forward: Implications for Korean Democracy

The standoff between former President Yoon and the special counsel represents a critical test for South Korean democratic institutions. The Democratic Party's demands for stronger enforcement measures and prosecutorial reform reflect deeper concerns about accountability and the rule of law.

As the investigation continues, the special counsel team faces the challenge of balancing respect for legal rights with the need to ensure thorough investigation of serious charges. The case has highlighted tensions between different branches of government and raised questions about the effectiveness of current legal frameworks in handling high-level political scandals.

The outcome of this confrontation will likely have lasting implications for South Korean democracy, particularly regarding the balance of power between different institutions and the principle that no one is above the law. As the Democratic Party continues to push for comprehensive reforms and the special counsel intensifies its investigation, the political crisis shows no signs of immediate resolution, setting the stage for continued conflict in the months ahead.