Any Talks of Obstructing Special Counsel`s Activity Are Unthinkable

Regarding investigation into the North Korea pay-off case by a special counsel, National Assembly Speaker Park Kwan-yong held a press conference and expressed his concern about political intervention in the special probe.

“I think any talks of Special Counsel Law can be tantamount to pose a threat to the authority of the legislative body because the law was passed by the National Assembly and pronounced by the president. So, now I warn both the ruling and opposition parties not to mention on the special counsel`s investigation at all,” the speaker said in a press conference.

He also expressed his discomfort over presidential chief of staff Moon hee-sang`s remarks on his opposition to the law by saying, “It is inappropriate for the presidential chief of staff to express his opposition regarding the special counsel`s move to question the former president related to the secret money transfer to North Korea.”

Regarding the possibility of the special counsel`s questioning of the former president, Speaker Park said, “Subject and scope of the investigation will be determined by the independent counsel and whether to impose criminal punishments against those who violate related laws will be decided by courts.” He emphasized, “The truth of the pay-off scandal should be fully unearth through a thorough investigation”

“If the government and the ruling camp continue to obstruct the special counsel`s activities, he will take a next step,” he said but refused to elaborate on his next step.

Jong-Hoon Lee taylor55@donga.com