Ruling Party: "Opposition Aims to Derail U.S. Investment Special Committee... Are They Really Going Off the Rails?"

[The Financial News] The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on the 24th criticized the chair of the special committee tasked with handling the "U.S.–Korea Strategic Investment Management Act" (also referred to as the U.S. Investment Special Act), who is a member of the People Power Party (PPP), for postponing the attendance of relevant ministers at a legislative hearing. The party said this move, taken just before the committee’s public hearing on the bill at the National Assembly, suggests an intention to derail the process.
At the floor leadership strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, DPK parliamentary leader Han Byung-do said, "Yesterday (the 23rd), the People Power Party lawmaker who chairs the Special Committee on the U.S.–Korea Strategic Investment Management Act unilaterally decided to put off the attendance of relevant ministers without any consultation with the committee secretaries." He argued, "Is this not an attempt to once again throw the special committee into disarray by pretending to run the committee normally and hold a public hearing, while delaying both the introduction of the bill and the formation of the subcommittee?"
Han went on, "If they have no intention of actually reviewing the U.S. investment special act, then the People Power Party is really saying they want to go completely off the rails." He added, "This is an unimaginable step, a traitorous act, and an abandonment of the national interest."
He continued, "Without a moment’s hesitation, we will ensure that the U.S. investment special act is passed." He also warned, "We sternly warn the People Power Party as well. The public will never tolerate any act that holds the national interest hostage."
Policy Committee Chairperson Han Jeoung-ae noted, "The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has ruled that the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs were unlawful and void." She added, "However, this ruling does not eliminate tariff risks originating from the United States. Instead, it is increasing uncertainty in trade."
Han said, "Even under these circumstances, the People Power Party is belittling the efforts of the government and ruling party to protect the national interest and is focusing solely on political attacks." She warned, "We solemnly caution that the obstruction by the opposition could become a pretext for slapping our companies with punitive tariff bombs."
She added, "What we need now is to complete the promised legislation in a timely manner." She continued, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the special act is passed by March 9, the deadline for the activities of the Special Committee on the U.S.–Korea Strategic Investment Management Act. We urge the active cooperation of the People Power Party."
gowell@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter