Off-site rally held 6 days before Lee’s sentencing… “Even if you pretend not to, the reality is that you are intimidating the judge.”
Ho Jun-seok “I am one with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions who are ‘guilty of espionage’…” Jo Ji-yeon “Sin doesn’t go away”
On the 9th, the People Power Party launched an offensive against the Democratic Party of Korea for holding an off-site rally denouncing President Yoon Seok-yeol and his wife, saying it was intended to intimidate the judiciary ahead of the sentencing date of Representative Lee Jae-myeong.
On this day, CEO Han Dong-hoon posted on Facebook, “Six days ahead of the court’s decision on Representative Lee Jae-myeong’s criminal charges, it is said that a military demonstration to intimidate the judge will be held today (9th) in accordance with Representative Lee’s general mobilization order.” “I think that’s it,” he criticized.
Representative Lee will be sentenced on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act on the 15th, and it is claimed that the Democratic Party is holding an outdoor rally six days ahead with the purpose of intimidating the judge.
Another representative said, “For fear of receiving backlash, we speak as if we are doing it separately, but anyone can see that ‘KCTU + Candlelight Action + Democratic Party’ are doing it as ‘one team’ on one stage on the same day,” and said, “Condemning Kim Geon-hee and Yoon Seok-yeol’s interference in government affairs written by the Democratic Party.” · An official letter calling for a special prosecution for the 2nd National Action Day and a poster related to the candlelight vigil held were also published. These materials list the event times of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, candlelight protests, and the Democratic Party.
Representative Han said, “Last time, the Democratic Party did it alone and there was no response, so this time, it seems like they are just trying to pretend that it is not the case and do it together. Please look at the data I attached. He pointed out, “How can the Democratic Party and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions do this separately?”
He said, “I don’t think common-sense citizens of this country will participate in the ‘judge intimidation show of force’ for Representative Lee Jae-myung,” and added, “If the independence and fairness of the judiciary are so openly and blatantly threatened, the damage will be suffered by all citizens.” .
Spokesperson Ho Jun-seok said in a commentary, “What is the identity of
the Democratic Party that is taking to the streets with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which was found guilty of espionage?” He added, “The only difference between the Democratic Party’s rally and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ rally was that the organizers were different. In fact, they are ‘one body,’” he pointed out.
Spokesperson Ho said, “How will the Democratic Party, which does not hesitate to do anything just for Lee Jae-myeong’s bulletproof and early presidential election, explain its identity?” and added, “It is in fact in solidarity with those who are trying to ‘overthrow the liberal democratic system’ without any introspection.” “The Democratic Party must keep in mind that it cannot avoid the judgment of history,” he said.
In a commentary, floor spokesperson Cho Ji-yeon said, “If you are sure of your innocence, you should wait for the judiciary’s judgment rather than holding an outdoor rally to intimidate the court.” “It’s not going away,” he said, raising his voice.
He said, “What the Democratic Party wants may be a time of candlelight, but I hope you keep in mind that what the people want is a time for people’s livelihood.” He added, “Even now, the Democratic Party will leave Representative Lee’s judicial risk to the court’s judgment and work together with the People Power Party on the issue of people’s livelihood.” “I look forward to the future,” he urged.
(Seoul = News 1)
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Interview: Time.news Editor with Legal Expert Dr. Soo-Jin Lee on the Recent Political Rally and Judicial Independence in South Korea
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Soo-Jin Lee. With the recent rally organized by the Democratic Party of Korea just days before the sentencing of Representative Lee Jae-myeong, there’s a significant tension in the air surrounding judicial independence. What are your thoughts on the implications of such an event?
Dr. Soo-Jin Lee (Dr. Lee): Thank you for having me. The rally raises serious concerns about the relationship between politics and the judiciary in South Korea. It appears that the Democratic Party, alongside the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, is attempting to project power and influence the judicial process, which is problematic. Such actions could undermine public trust in the judicial system.
TNE: Han Dong-hoon of the People Power Party described the rally as an attempt to intimidate the judge. Can you elaborate on how public demonstrations like this can affect judicial proceedings?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. When political parties mobilize large crowds, especially before crucial court decisions, it can create an atmosphere of intimidation. Judges are human beings who may be swayed by public sentiment, consciously or unconsciously. This rally sends a message that the outcomes of judicial proceedings could be contested violently, which is contrary to the principle of a fair trial.
TNE: In his statements, Ho Jun-seok emphasized the connection between the Democratic Party and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, referring to them as “one body.” What does this coalition signify for South Korean politics?
Dr. Lee: This coalition signifies a unification of progressive forces, but it also highlights a troubling trend where political interests overshadow the principle of democratic governance. By aligning themselves closely with a group found guilty of espionage, as Ho noted, they risk jeopardizing their legitimacy and the integrity of their movement. It raises questions about their commitment to democracy, particularly when they seem willing to collaborate with groups that pose threats to national security.
TNE: Cho Ji-yeon, another official, suggested that if Representative Lee is confident in his innocence, he should wait for the judiciary’s judgment rather than rallying the public. What does this reveal about the current political climate?
Dr. Lee: It illustrates a lack of faith in the legal processes among politicians from opposition parties. Instead of respecting the judicial system’s due process, some politicians prefer to rally public opinion to sway outcomes in their favor. This not only risks the independence of the judiciary but also indicates a broader environment of political desperation and polarization, where parties do not trust each other or the institutions of governance.
TNE: Some representatives have claimed that the judicial system’s independence could be under threat if such demonstrations continue. What safeguards does South Korea currently have to preserve judicial independence, and are they enough?
Dr. Lee: South Korea does have constitutional provisions aimed at ensuring the judiciary’s independence, but public pressure can be a significant factor. The reliance on public opinion and mass mobilization creates an environment that can be hostile towards impartial judgments. Ensuring rigorous protections for judges, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture that upholds legal processes over political machinations are vital for reinforcing independence. The current safeguards are not foolproof, and proactive measures are necessary to protect the judiciary from undue influence.
TNE: As we look ahead to the sentencing of Representative Lee, what do you predict will be the outcome, and how might that influence future political actions from both parties?
Dr. Lee: The outcome will significantly shape the political landscape. If Representative Lee is sentenced, it might embolden the People Power Party and encourage more severe repercussions against dissent. Conversely, if he is acquitted or receives a light sentence, the Democratic Party may feel justified in their tactics, potentially leading to more aggressive public demonstrations in the future. Regardless of the outcome, this situation underscores the urgent need for a dialogue about the relationship between politics and judicial independence.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Lee. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate this complex political climate.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. It’s essential for the public to stay informed and engaged in the conversation about our democratic processes.