Seomin "Easily Trampling on the Separation of Powers... Is There Nothing to See with 180 Seats?"

Professor Seomin from Dankook University is giving a lecture on the topic of the opposition party's path at the 'Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda,' a meeting of first-term members of the People Power Party, held on the morning of the 11th of last month at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's application for suspension of disciplinary action against Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae was approved by the court, sparking continuous criticism from the ruling party. In response, Professor Seo Min of Dankook University pointed out that "they easily trample on the separation of powers and intimidate the judiciary."

On the 29th, Professor Seo posted an article titled "Selective Separation of Powers" on his Facebook, capturing a media report and criticizing the situation.

The photo he posted was from last year's Supreme Court ruling on compensation for victims of forced labor by Japan, quoting a government official at the time saying, "The executive branch cannot interfere with the judiciary's ruling." This is interpreted as an argument that the judiciary, which approved Prosecutor General Yoon's suspension application, cannot be criticized by the political sphere.

Regarding this, Professor Seo remarked, "When the Supreme Court ruling on forced labor by Japanese companies came out in 2019, they said it was separation of powers and the executive branch could not interfere, yet it triggered a trade war."

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is attending an event held on the afternoon of September 18 at the annex of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 24th, Professor Seo also criticized the ruling party for opposing the court's decision to suspend Prosecutor General Yoon's duties. At that time, the ruling party fiercely criticized the court, calling it 'judicial reform' and a 'legal cartel.'

Professor Seo said, "It seems like having 180 seats means nothing; enjoy it now," adding, "When you lose all your power and completely collapse, I will repay you then."

Meanwhile, Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 28th that he would propose an amendment to the Administrative Litigation Act, nicknamed the 'Yoon Seok-yeol Prevention Act,' which would prohibit applications for suspension of execution if such applications harm the substantive interests of the main lawsuit.