Seoul: Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday proposed a special bill aimed at supporting Seoul's push to build nuclear-powered submarines. The bill, introduced by PPP Rep. Yu Yong-weon, calls for establishing a nuclear-powered submarine strategy committee under the president to deliberate on major issues related to the country's nuclear-powered submarine program.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the proposal highlights the limitations of the existing Defense Acquisition Program Act and Nuclear Safety Act in comprehensively addressing the unique characteristics of military nuclear propulsion systems. During a press conference at the National Assembly, Rep. Yu emphasized the need for a presidentially chaired committee, including participation from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to establish a government-wide system for executing the project.

The bill, signed by 30 PPP lawmakers and independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, presents a different approach from a government-proposed draft bill unveiled by the defense ministry. The ministry's draft suggests setting up such a committee under the prime minister. Last month, the defense ministry issued a public notice of the draft bill, designed to provide a legal framework for the Jang Bogo N project. This project aims to build at least three 8,000-ton conventionally-armed nuclear-propelled attack submarines by the mid-2030s, powered by low-enriched uranium enriched to less than 20 percent.

The PPP intends to have Thursday's proposal included in the defense ministry's draft bill during the public feedback period, which is set to last until Sept. 7. Following this period, the ministry will submit the bill to the National Assembly.