South Korean National Assembly disputes witness selection for presidential office audit

The South Korean National Assembly Steering Committee has scheduled an audit of the Presidential Secretariat for the 29th. During a plenary meeting on the 21st, the committee resolved to call only institutional witnesses, rejecting requests from the People Power Party to summon former officials Kang Hoon-sik, Kim Yong-beom, and Kim Hyun-ji.

Conflict erupted between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the potential testimony of First Lady Kim Hye-kyung. Representative Yoon Yong-geun of the People Power Party suggested her appearance was necessary to address allegations regarding the delay in relocating the presidential residence to Hannam-dong. The Democratic Party strongly opposed this, labeling it a political offensive and noting that the General Affairs Secretary had already been selected as an institutional witness to address relevant matters.

The People Power Party also criticized the presidential office for failing to submit requested data concerning disaster response, presidential schedules, and judicial risks, arguing that the lack of cooperation undermines the audit process.