Democratic Party Member Files Injunction to Suspend Lee Jae-myung's Party Leader Duties

Some members of the Democratic Party of Korea have filed an injunction request to suspend the duties of party leader Lee Jae-myung.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 23rd at around 3 p.m., Baek Gwang-hyun, a Democratic Party member and current affairs YouTuber, submitted an injunction request to the Southern Branch Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, asking for the suspension of party leader Lee Jae-myung's duties. A total of 325 Democratic Party members, including Baek, participated in the injunction request.

Baek stated, "(Leader Lee) has nullified Article 80 of the party constitution, which is the identity of the Democratic Party and the pride of its members, solely to protect himself," adding, "Today is the injunction request, and the main lawsuit will be filed soon." He also claimed, "More than 1,000 people will participate in the main lawsuit."

Earlier, Leader Lee was indicted without detention on charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (breach of trust), but the Democratic Party judged the indictment as political oppression, allowing Lee to maintain his position.

According to Article 80 of the Democratic Party Constitution (Sanctions against those involved in corruption), the Secretary-General may suspend the duties of party officials at all levels who are indicted for violations related to corruption immediately upon indictment. However, exceptions apply if there is recognition of unfair reasons such as political oppression.

Regarding the Democratic Party's decision to apply the exception clause for suspension of duties to lawmakers Ki Dong-min and Lee Soo-jin (proportional representation), Baek said, "It is shameful," and criticized, "They are putting a bulletproof vest on Leader Lee by labeling clear corruption as political retaliation and political oppression." Lawmakers Ki and others were indicted last month on the 23rd on charges of receiving illegal political funds from Kim Bong-hyun, former chairman of Star Mobility.