President Yoon: The backlog of perjury accusations in the National Assembly must be resolved quickly
President Yoon highlighted the urgency in addressing the backlog of perjury accusations in the National Assembly to maintain its authority and role in democracy.
President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea addressed the significance of resolving the backlog of perjury cases related to the National Assembly during a cabinet meeting. He emphasized that the credibility and authority of the legislative body is at stake due to increasing instances of misleading testimonies or failure to appear. Yoon stated that these issues, whether beneficial or detrimental to the ruling or opposition parties, must be addressed rapidly to uphold the integrity of the parliamentary process.
Yoon pointed out that the increasing reports of perjury among witnesses in recent National Assembly hearings undermine the assembly's role in democratic governance. Specific cases, such as accusations against representatives of major corporations like Coupang and other affiliates, have raised concerns over the effectiveness and timeliness of investigations following such accusations. He leaned on the responsibility of relevant authorities to swiftly discern the truth behind these allegations, highlighting that democracy relies heavily on establishing factual integrity in legislative proceedings.
Moreover, President Yoon underscored the importance of democracy amid global competition and noted that the National Assembly embodies a model space for democratic practice. He argued that misinformation leads to flawed decision-making and impedes the exercise of sovereignty by citizens. Additionally, he recognized the media's role in democracy as a fundamental pillar that supports the legislative, executive, and judicial functions, reinforcing that accurate reporting and accountability are essential for democratic development.