Floor leaders of the four opposition Democratic Party of Korea(DPK), People's Party, Bareun Party and Justice Party held a meeting on February 19 and called on Acting President(Prime Minister) Hwang Kyo-ahn to accept their demand for the extension of the investigation period of the independent counsel by February 21. The term of office for the special prosecutor expires on February 28.

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn, who was appointed Prime Minister by the impeached President Park Geun-hye, is yet to react to the demand. DPK spokesperson Yoon Kwan-seok said that if Acting President Hwang keeps delaying the reply, the National Assembly will take all possible measures to pass a special Act which has been already submitted to extend the special prosecutor's investigation period to complete the full-fledged investigation into the political corruption scandal.

The ruling Liberty Korea Party, however, opposed the investigation period extension, citing the reason that the extension may be used politically.

The Justice Party started a sit-in at the Rotunda Hall on February 20 for 72 hours until the extraordinary session of the National Assembly opens on February 23. Two independent lawmakers will also join the all-out offensive led by the opposition parties.

reported by Yon Yoon-jeong
translated by Kim Sung-jin