The National Assembly passed a plan for a parliamentary probe into alleged “fabricated prosecutions” during the Yoon administration at a plenary session on March 22, with all 175 lawmakers present voting in favor. /Song Eui-joo

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South Korea’s National Assembly on March 22 approved a parliamentary investigation into allegations of “fabricated prosecutions” under the previous administration, following the forced termination of an opposition filibuster.

The probe plan, led by the ruling Democratic Party, was passed in a plenary session with all 175 lawmakers present voting in favor, shortly after the filibuster by the People Power Party was ended by a 180-0 vote.

The investigation will run for 50 days through May 8, with a possible extension subject to parliamentary approval. It will cover seven major cases and involve institutional reports, field inspections, and hearings.

A total of 55 entities will be subject to scrutiny, including 41 government and public institutions such as the Supreme Court and prosecution offices, as well as 14 companies including Hoban Construction and Ssangbangwool.

Key cases include the Daejang-dong development scandal, alleged corruption in the Wirye new town project, a North Korea remittance case involving Ssangbangwool, and bribery allegations against a former Democratic Party official. Several ongoing trials are included in the scope.

The probe also targets investigations from the previous administration, including allegations of manipulated real estate statistics, the killing of a public official in the West Sea, and alleged false reporting that defamed former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The move is widely seen as part of a broader push by the ruling party to restructure the prosecution system, following recent legislation that separates investigative and prosecutorial powers and effectively abolishes the prosecution service by October.

The Democratic Party has characterized past investigations into President Lee Jae-myung and others as politically motivated prosecutions aimed at eliminating opponents.

Analysts say the probe could also have political implications ahead of the June 3 local elections, as key figures may be called to hearings to highlight alleged coercion or manipulation in past investigations.

The ruling party dismissed claims of any political deal involving prosecutorial powers or case withdrawals as “groundless,” while the opposition strongly criticized the move.

The People Power Party labeled the probe as an attempt to “erase President Lee’s alleged crimes,” warning that it could lead to pressure to drop prosecutions.

Following the vote, the Assembly concluded its weekend session after designating a special bill on RE100 industrial complexes as a fast-track agenda item.

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