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[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Regarding the push for a special prosecutor investigation into 'Daejang-dong and Kim Geon-hee,' the Justice Party is emphasizing a cautious approach, thereby expanding its political presence.

The Justice Party appears to be highlighting its distinctiveness from the Democratic Party of Korea ahead of its reestablishment, which is being seen as an attempt to break away from the stigma of being the 'Democratic Party's second squad.'

As the Justice Party puts the brakes on the Democratic Party's proposal for a 'double special prosecutor,' the Democratic Party is facing an emergency. The Democratic Party plans to designate the special prosecutor law as a fast-track agenda for swift processing at the National Assembly plenary session. To do this, it requires the approval of 180 members, which is three-fifths of the total members. Currently, the Democratic Party holds 169 seats, so securing the Justice Party's votes is essential to reach 180 seats.

Lee Jung-mi, leader of the Justice Party, is speaking at the Executive Committee meeting held on the 13th at the protest site in front of the National Assembly main building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

However, while the Justice Party has shown a positive response to the 'Daejang-dong special prosecutor,' it has distanced itself from the 'Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor,' stating that "the prosecution's summons and investigation of Mrs. Kim Geon-hee should come first." They argue that it is not too late to decide on a special prosecutor after the prosecution summons and investigates Mrs. Kim first.

The Justice Party's stance stems from concerns that the double special prosecutor could be perceived as a 'shield for Lee Jae-myung.' The ruling party claims that the Democratic Party's call for double special prosecutors is an attempt to divert attention from allegations against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader. If the Justice Party joins the Democratic Party in pushing for the special prosecutor, it might appear as if they are siding with the 'Lee Jae-myung shield.'

In this case, the Justice Party risks being labeled again as the 'Democratic Party's second squad.' Previously, the Justice Party had a strategic alliance with the Democratic Party but faced criticism for being the Democratic Party's second squad. In particular, the 'Cho Kuk incident' in 2019 left a painful regret for the Justice Party. The Cho Kuk incident refers to a series of controversies, including preferential treatment of children, that arose after then-President Moon Jae-in nominated Cho Kuk, former Blue House civil affairs secretary, as Minister of Justice on August 9, 2019, to push for prosecutorial reform.

At that time, the Justice Party demanded direct clarification from Minister Cho during the National Assembly confirmation hearings amid various allegations. However, they showed hesitation in judgment and ultimately decided not to include Minister Cho on the so-called Justice Party 'Death Note' (a list of disqualified candidates) by citing the cause of judicial reform. The Death Note refers to a list of high-ranking official candidates deemed unfit by the Justice Party during confirmation hearings, many of whom were subsequently dismissed, serving as a symbol of the Justice Party's identity at one point.

The Justice Party's silence on the Cho Kuk incident and its failure to oppose his appointment is also analyzed as being due to electoral system reform. At the time, the Public Official Election Act amendment bill, mainly proposing a semi-proportional representation system, was fast-tracked. According to simulations based on the Justice Party's vote share in the 20th general election, the amendment would have more than doubled the Justice Party's seats from 6 to 14.

Lee Jung-mi, Leader of the Justice Party. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Then, Na Kyung-won, floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, criticized in September 2019, saying, "The Justice Party, which disguised itself with the noble cause of judicial reform and manipulated the semi-proportional representation system, has put its own name on the people's Death Note," adding, "The Cho Kuk incident revealed the true face of the left that had been hidden."

Moreover, the Justice Party's support last year for the 'complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority' (Geomsu Wanbak) also contributed to the image of being the 'Democratic Party's second squad.' Initially, the Justice Party found it difficult to agree with the Democratic Party's Geomsu Wanbak bill but later all six Justice Party lawmakers voted in favor of the amendment to the Prosecutors' Office Act, which focused on separating investigation and prosecution.

Since then, the Justice Party has struggled in elections. The Justice Party is preparing for reestablishment ahead of the 22nd general election scheduled for April next year.

On the 14th, Justice Party leader Lee Jeong-mi appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "The Justice Party is currently facing a significant crisis, and we are hearing various criticisms about whether we can truly express the distinct color and voice of a third clear progressive party."

She added, "The Justice Party is pushing for reestablishment with the meaning of not losing our original intention and properly preparing to fulfill the role of a progressive party in this rapidly changing era."