Special counsel bill on first lady’s corruption allegations narrowly rejected by Assembly

South Korea’s National Assembly on 7 December 2024 narrowly rejected a bill seeking to appoint a special counsel to investigate corruption allegations involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The bill, vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol last month, required a two-thirds majority of 200 votes to pass but fell short with 198 in favour and 102 against.

The motion, spearheaded by the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and five minor opposition parties, was intended to establish an independent investigation into allegations of corruption and election interference linked to the first lady.

The failed vote follows President Yoon’s veto of the original special counsel bill last month, marking the third time he has rejected similar motions. The controversy surrounding the first lady remains a focal point of opposition efforts to challenge Yoon’s administration, particularly in the wake of his declaration of martial law earlier this week.

In addition to the special counsel bill, the Assembly is considering an impeachment motion against Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, a close ally of Yoon implicated in the martial law controversy.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) also staged a boycott of the vote for the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol, leaving opposition lawmakers unable to secure the bipartisan support necessary to pass the bill.

Public reaction and implications

The failure of the special counsel bill highlights the deep divisions within South Korea’s political landscape. Public opinion on the matter remains polarised, with critics accusing the ruling party of shielding the president and first lady, while supporters argue that the opposition is engaging in baseless political attacks.

This latest development adds to the challenges facing Yoon’s administration as it grapples with mounting criticism from opposition parties and growing demands for accountability. With the opposition vowing to press forward, the political tension in South Korea shows no signs of abating.

Edit: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the impeachment motion against the President had been rejected due to insufficient votes, the article is updated on the motion that was rejected.