[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea decided on the 28th to allow the proposal of an impeachment motion against Chief Judge Im Seong-geun, who is implicated in the 'judicial farming scandal' allegations. This marks the third impeachment of a judge in the history of the constitutional system. Judge Im is suspected of interfering in the trial of a Japanese journalist who was prosecuted after raising questions about former President Park Geun-hye's '7-hour Sewol Ferry incident'.
Party leader Lee Nak-yeon met with reporters after the parliamentary members' meeting in the afternoon and stated, "Following the opinion of the judges' representative meeting, we have decided to allow the members to push forward with the impeachment motion against Judge Im, who is accused of violating the constitution." He added, "At today's members' meeting, Representative Lee Tan-hee reported plans to pursue impeachment motions against Judges Im and Lee Dong-geun, but legal experts within the party suggested excluding Judge Lee from the target, and Representative Lee accepted that proposal."
Earlier, on the 22nd, Representative Lee, along with Kang Min-jung of the Open Democratic Party, Ryu Ho-jeong of the Justice Party, and Yong Hye-in of the Basic Income Party, urged the National Assembly to initiate impeachment motions against Judges Im and Lee Dong-geun. A total of 107 members from the Democratic Party, Justice Party, Open Democratic Party, Basic Income Party, and independents signed the motion. To impeach a judge, a proposal by at least one-third of the total members of the National Assembly and a majority vote are required. The 107 members exceed the required number for proposal.
Regarding the exclusion of Judge Lee, Leader Lee explained, "There is room for dispute over whether Judge Lee is included based on the interpretation of the judges' representative meeting's resolution."
Floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon also told reporters, "The trial records of Judge Im clearly indicate constitutional violations. Normally, disciplinary actions should be taken by the court, but since the National Assembly holds the impeachment authority, not exercising it is considered neglect of duty, and the party respects that opinion."
The Democratic Party will allow individual members to propose and vote on impeachment motions but will not adopt it as the party line. Opinions within the party regarding the impeachment motion remain divided.
Floor spokesperson Hong Jeong-min said to reporters in the afternoon, "The only thing pursued as the party line is the Working National Assembly Act. The rest proceed as the party's broad stance. If the majority agrees, the motion will be proposed and is expected to be approved after the impeachment."
Regarding the upcoming procedures, he stated, "Representative Lee has proposed it, and if other members who support it propose individually like other bills, it will go through the usual process of being voted on within 72 hours. It will proceed according to the National Assembly Act."
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