People Power Party's 'Kim Myung-soo Impeachment Protest' Ends After 102 Days... In-House Discussions Continue

"The Judiciary Also Paid Attention to Supreme Court Justice Appointments... Played a Role in Checks and Balances"

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, is responding to reporters' questions on the 16th while holding a one-person relay protest urging Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo to resign in front of the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The People Power Party ended the "Relay Protest Urging the Impeachment of Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo" after 102 days on the 16th, concluding with a solo protest by Floor Leader Kim Ki-hyun.

That morning, Floor Leader Kim held the final protest urging the impeachment of Chief Justice Kim in front of the Supreme Court main gate in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The protest was joined by Deputy Floor Leader for Policy Chu Kyung-ho, Spokesperson Jeon Ju-hye, and lawmakers Yoo Sang-beom and Lee Young.

The People Power Party had continued the relay protests urging Chief Justice Kim's voluntary resignation since February 5, starting with Floor Leader Kim. In June, they also published "The Fall of the Rule of Law, 1,352 Days of Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo's Record," which detailed alleged corruption, intensifying pressure for his resignation.

Right after the protest, Floor Leader Kim expressed his feelings about ending the relay protests, saying, "For us, it is very regrettable and disheartening because (Chief Justice Kim) has not resigned and is holding on. However, we will return to the National Assembly and do our best to fiercely prevent the collapse of the judiciary and the fall of the rule of law."

Former Spokesperson Jeon also said, "Party-level activities have effectively concluded today," adding, "I believe our party has continuously raised awareness about the judiciary's violation of the rule of law." He further stated, "It seems the judiciary is also paying attention to these issues (rule of law, fairness, etc.). Looking at the nomination of Cheon Dae-yeop and others as Supreme Court justices, none are from specific research institutes. I think this played a role in checks and balances."

The People Power Party plans to deliver the impeachment petition submitted by the civic group "Emergency Situation Solidarity" to the National Assembly on the same day. Subsequently, related discussions will continue in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.