A pro-democracy organization signs a petition urging Lee to be acquitted.
Four days before sentencing, petition signatures exceed 1 million
On the 11th, four days before Lee Jae-myeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was sentenced in the first trial for violating the Public Official Election Act, the number of people participating in a petition calling for Lee to be acquitted exceeded 1 million.
According to the Democratic Party, the number of participants in the petition calling for Representative Lee’s acquittal, which was held from the 8th of last month to this day, was calculated to be 1,006,389 as of 8:30 am.
After this news was announced, Han Joon-ho, a top member of the Democratic Party, wrote on Facebook, “The number of signatures petitioning for Representative Lee’s acquittal has exceeded 1 million,” and “Now the call for special prosecutor Kim Kun-hee has surpassed 10 million.” Lee Jae-seong, chairman of the Busan City Party, also emphasized on Facebook, “Public anger toward the president’s perception and attitude is leading to hope,” and “I look forward to the court’s wise judgment.”
The Democratic National Innovation Conference (Innovation Conference), a pro-Lee Jae-myung (pro-Myung) organization, began collecting signatures for the ‘Petition calling for Representative Lee’s acquittal’ in a bid to strengthen public opinion ahead of Representative Lee’s first trial sentencing. The Innovation Conference is preparing a large-scale rally with 5,000 supporters in front of the Seoul Central District Court on the 15th, the date of Lee’s first trial for violating the Public Official Election Act.
As Representative Lee is scheduled to be sentenced in the first trial on charges of instigation of perjury on the 25th, the Democratic Party is expected to respond at the party level to Representative Lee’s ‘judicial risk’. On the 5th, the Democratic Party also launched the Judicial Justice Special Committee, an organization dedicated to responding to Lee’s judicial risks.
Representative Lee is also emphasizing his claim that he is innocent of the charges of instigation of perjury. Representative Lee posted on Facebook that day, “Jae-myung Lee said to Jin-seong Kim, ‘Please bring back your memories and tell me everything. “You just have to say you heard what you heard, and there’s no need to say you saw what you didn’t see,” he wrote.
He continued, “Contrary to Lee Jae-myung’s expectations, Kim Jin-seong said on the contrary, ‘There was no agreement to frame him as the main culprit
He even testified in court, saying, ‘The mayor is not that kind of person due to his personality.’ With this, he said, ‘You are a teacher of perjury. The prosecution claims that he perjured himself by instructing him to testify. “The truth may be hidden for a while, but it is neither hidden nor lost,” he argued.
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Interview: The Future of Democracy in South Korea
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kim, and thank you for joining us today. As an expert in political science and South Korean affairs, your insights on the current political climate are invaluable. Let’s dive into the recent developments surrounding Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Four days before his sentencing, a petition for his acquittal has surpassed a million signatures. What does this massive public support signify?
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me. The sheer number of signatures—over 1 million—indicates a significant mobilization of support for Lee Jae-myung. This is not merely about one man; it reflects deeper societal sentiments about justice, accountability, and the public’s perception of the political establishment. Many South Koreans are concerned about perceived injustices within the judiciary and the political interference in legal matters.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting point. Given that Lee is facing serious allegations, how do you interpret the developments surrounding the Democratic National Innovation Conference’s petition?
Dr. Kim: The Democratic National Innovation Conference’s initiative to gather signatures serves multiple purposes. It aims to galvanize public support but also positions Lee as a martyr of sorts in the eyes of his supporters. The petition serves to challenge the legitimacy of the legal actions against him and portrays the Democratic Party as a bastion of democracy in the face of governmental overreach. The context of public anger towards the president’s administration also plays a crucial role; many see this as a struggle between the ruling party’s narrative and the opposition’s defense of civil rights.
Time.news Editor: In light of the upcoming rally planned for the sentencing date, how might this impact the political landscape in South Korea?
Dr. Kim: Such a rally has the potential to either strengthen or weaken the Democratic Party, depending on how the situation unfolds. If the demonstration garners substantial attendance and remains peaceful, it could reinforce the party’s stance against what they describe as judicial overreach. However, if things turn volatile, it could lead to negative public perception not just of the party, but of the entire pro-democracy movement. It underscores the precarious balance between activism and broader public sentiments regarding law and order, especially in the context of ongoing political divisions.
Time.news Editor: Interesting insights, Dr. Kim. Lee Jae-myung maintains his innocence and has made statements intended to clarify his position, claiming he encouraged witnesses to be truthful. How effective do you think his narrative will be in swaying public opinion?
Dr. Kim: Lee’s claims of innocence, especially when framed as a call for truth, resonate well with a segment of the electorate that values transparency and justice. His ability to articulate his side of the story through social media platforms amplifies his message and personal connection with supporters. However, public opinion is often swayed by broader narratives and the prevailing media framing. If the public perceives the prosecution as politically motivated, Lee may gain sympathy; conversely, if the media emphasizes the allegations seriously, it could hinder his narrative.
Time.news Editor: As we approach the trial date, how do you foresee the dynamics between the Democratic Party and the ruling administration changing?
Dr. Kim: The next few weeks will likely be critical. The Democratic Party has already established the Judicial Justice Special Committee to counter what they see as ’judicial risk’ for Lee. This indicates a systematic approach to defend not just Lee, but the party’s ideals. Depending on the outcome of the trial, whether Lee is acquitted or convicted, we could witness a significant shift in power dynamics. An acquittal might embolden the opposition, while a conviction could lead to fragmented support and infighting within the Democratic Party, as factions may disagree on the party’s future direction.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your keen analysis on these pressing issues. It’s evident that the situation surrounding Lee Jae-myung may reshape South Korean politics and public discourse in substantial ways.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a pivotal moment for South Korea, and I look forward to seeing how the events unfold.