Lee Jae-myung 'Shh', The Decisive Moment at the Photo Line

Attendance for Seongnam Branch Investigation, Calm to Supporters
Finger 'Shh' Gesture to Critics Who Booed

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The moment when Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, put his finger to his lips signaling "shh" is expected to be recorded as a decisive moment symbolizing the photo line on the 10th. On that day, Lee, summoned as a suspect to the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office in Gyeonggi Province, put his finger to his lips to quietly signal those who jeered, saying "Are you scared?"

This scene shows that he did not lose his composure despite the reality of being summoned by the prosecution as the leader of the main opposition party.

In fact, Lee sent a signal of confidence in the face of the prosecution summons by waving to his supporters. The area around the photo line that day was chaotic, with reporters covering the event, Democratic Party lawmakers accompanying Lee, supporters, and critics all mingling.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is appearing on the 10th at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to undergo investigation related to the 'Seongnam FC Sponsorship Fund Allegation' case. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Supporters defending Lee gathered from across the country, but conversely, there were also those who came to criticize him. They shouted loudly at Lee.

The general view is that the prosecution conducted the summons as a step toward indictment. There are even speculations that the prosecution will request an arrest warrant. At the photo line that day, Lee said, "The prosecution has already decided the answer. It's a 'pre-decided indictment,'" adding, "It is meaningless to explain and persuade the prosecution of the truth."

Lee conveyed a message that he would face the situation confidently, saying, "Ultimately, the truth can only be determined in court."

The Democratic Party also seems to accept the prosecution's indictment as a foregone conclusion. This means that the truth will inevitably be determined through the trial process. However, opinions differ on whether the prosecution will attempt to request an arrest warrant. Attempting to detain the leader of the main opposition party itself carries political risks.

If the attempt to detain fails, the prosecution could face increased pressure.

However, the very act of requesting an arrest warrant could lead to political damage for Lee, so it is a sensitive issue for the Democratic Party as well. If the detention controversy escalates, it could also become a political risk for the Democratic Party.

Lee is expected to be investigated until late at night or early morning on the 11th and then return home. Until Lee leaves, a tense standoff between supporters and critics is expected to continue in front of the Seongnam branch.