Conflicting Visions of the Ruling and Opposition Parties Surrounding the Indictment of Lee Jae-myung

Announcement of 'Bangtan Frame'... Waiver of Immunity from Arrest
Opposition Voices 'Political Oppression'... Unity Rally at Risk

The 'frame war' between the ruling and opposition parties over the indictment of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is intense. The ruling party has launched a 'waiver of immunity' signature campaign, initiating the 'bulletproof frame,' while the opposition has strengthened the 'political oppression' frame. The opposition, centered on the non-Lee faction, is also raising procedural issues regarding the application of Article 80 of the party constitution, presenting the challenge of maintaining a 'unified front.'

On the 23rd, Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, criticized the Democratic Party's decision not to suspend Lee's duties despite his indictment during KBS's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs,' saying, "The Democratic Party of Korea has become the 'Demure Party.' They have just decided to 'go down with Lee Jae-myung together.'"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Taegukgi Flag Raising Campaign condemning submissive diplomacy toward Japan, held in front of the National Assembly main building on the 22nd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

This means the Democratic Party has taken a stance to protect Lee. According to Article 80 of the Democratic Party's constitution, indicted party officials are to be suspended from their duties, but the party added Clause 3 to Article 80, deciding not to apply Article 80 in cases of 'political oppression' or other unfair circumstances. Ha said, "This (Article 80) was a reform clause when former President Moon Jae-in was party leader," adding, "I even thought, 'Moon Jae-in's reform spirit is being trampled upon.'"

The People Power Party, ahead of the vote on the arrest consent motion for Ha Young-je, is collecting signatures for the 'waiver of immunity' led by lawmakers Park Jeong-ha, Choi Hyung-doo, Lee Tae-gyu, Yoo Ui-dong, and Kim Hyung-dong. This targets Lee, who has not relinquished his immunity. Although the People Power Party has not officially set a party stance, supporting the arrest consent motion is effectively the party line.

They calculate that this will further solidify the 'Democratic Party bulletproof' frame. Yoon Hee-seok, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' "The Democratic Party must be deeply troubled about this issue," adding, "If they support the arrest consent motion, they will be criticized with 'What did you do during Lee Jae-myung's leadership?' If they vote against it, they will be criticized again, saying, 'Are you protecting Lee Jae-myung even with ruling party lawmakers to justify his bulletproof shield?'"

On the other hand, the opposition claims this indictment is 'political oppression.' Woo Sang-ho, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said on KBS Radio, "Looking at the indictment, all the shocking allegations reported in the media have disappeared, and it is filled only with fierce legal battles," adding, "Such political or indiscriminate indictments should not happen in the future."

Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won said, "From the perspective of the Democratic Party and Lee, I do not see the prosecution or indictment as legitimate," adding, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration's political oppression and targeted prosecution against Lee and the Democratic Party should be fought boldly and unitedly as an opposition party. Such sentiment is very strong in Mokpo and Haenam."

However, the non-Lee faction within the party expresses concern that the bulletproof frame around Lee could become entrenched. Cho Eung-cheon, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' "Isn't our party becoming too fixated on the bulletproof side?" He called the decision to hold a party committee on the day of the indictment and allow Lee to retain his leadership position "excessive."

He particularly pointed out procedural issues. Lee was saved by applying Clause 3 of Article 80 without first going through the suspension procedure. He said, "Clause 3 of Article 80 states, 'Among those who have received the disposition under Clause 1, if unfair reasons such as political oppression are recognized,' but what is the disposition under Clause 1?" adding, "But no disposition under Clause 1 has been made."

Regarding the previous day's statement by spokesperson Kim Ui-gyeom, who announced the party committee's decision saying, "The decision was made considering that the intention of political oppression is more important than whether there is an accusation," Cho criticized, "If it doesn't matter whether the criminal charges are serious or not, then is political oppression completely subjective or a matter of interest law? I have doubts about that."