South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol seems to be pacing himself when it comes to exercising his veto power over the Chae Sang Byung Special Prosecutor Law.
Previously, Yoon indicated his intention to veto the law during his second-anniversary press conference on May 9, stating that the investigation by the High-level Public Officials Investigation Bureau should be observed before appointing a special prosecutor. However, he must also consider political factors, including backlash from the opposition.
Chae Sang Byung Special Prosecutor Law, passed solely by the Democratic Party in the National Assembly on May 2, was transferred to the government on May 7. The bill, once passed by the National Assembly and transferred to the government, must be either proclaimed or vetoed within 15 days. Yoon must decide whether to exercise his veto by May 22.
The ruling party is considering having the Cabinet Council, which meets on May 14 and May 21, review and approve the reconsideration of the Chae Sang Byung Special Prosecutor Law on the 14th. Following this approval, Yoon would then give his consent.
However, considering the recent intensified pressure from opposition parties including the Democratic Party, the timing of the veto seems to be delayed. As there is still time, the option to consider until May 21 and then approve is becoming more likely.
An official at the Presidential Office said in a call on May 13, “Shouldn’t we follow the procedure?” but also added, “There’s no need to rush. Shouldn’t we respect the National Assembly?” Another official at the Presidential Office also said, “There’s no need to hurry. The timing of the veto has not been confirmed.”
On May 11, six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, held a rally near the Presidential Office in Yongsan, urging the acceptance of the Chae Sang Byung Special Prosecutor Law. Additionally, over 40 first-term members of the Democratic Party have begun a sit-in protest at the National Assembly, demanding the passage of this law.
The results of opinion polls are also adding pressure. According to a Gallup Korea poll conducted between May 7 and May 9, targeting 1,000 people aged 18 and over nationwide, 57% of respondents supported introducing a special prosecutor for Chae Sang Byung, surpassing the halfway mark. The margin of error is ±3.1 points at the 95% confidence level, and the response rate is 11.2%. For detailed survey outlines and results, please refer to the Central Election Opinion Poll Review Committee website.
Amid all this, the internal vote control in the ruling party is also a burden. Legislators Ahn Cheol Soo and Kim Woong have publicly expressed their support for the Chae Sang Byung Special Prosecutor Law. There is also a forecast that dissenting votes may come from among the winners and losers of the May 22 general election, as the re-vote is conducted anonymously.
However, within the People Power Party, it is believed that apart from some existing members, there will be no additional dissenting votes. A ruling party official said, “There will be dissenting votes, but not many are expected.”