Democratic Party's Kim Min-seok: "Prosecution's 'Judicial Murder' of Lee Jae-myung... Impossible to Shield Kim Gun-hee"

"I Jae-myung: No Perjury or Coaching Occurred"
"People Power Party Likely to Face a Series of Tragedies"

Kim Min-seok, Senior Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, defined the prosecution's investigation and indictment of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader, as 'judicial murder' and 'protection for First Lady Kim Keon-hee.' He also predicted that the recent outdoor rallies held by the Democratic Party will develop into a democratic movement and emphasized preparing for a regime change.

Democratic Party of Korea Supreme Council Member Kim Min-seok is drinking water after finishing his remarks at a press briefing held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News

At a press conference held on the 24th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Senior Council Member Kim said, "The number of candlelight citizens at the outdoor rally the day before was so overwhelming that it was impossible to count," adding, "It is a flood of public sentiment that can no longer tolerate the total collapse of state affairs, including economic mismanagement, diplomatic incompetence, and judicial murder." He continued, "Protection for First Lady Kim is impossible, and the attempt to kill Leader Lee is clearly a destruction of democracy disguised as the rule of law," emphasizing, "The People Power Party seems to be heading for a series of tragedies. President Yoon Seok-yeol, People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and others are all lined up waiting their turn."

Senior Council Member Kim regarded the judicial risks faced by Leader Lee, including the first trial sentencing for perjury inducement scheduled for the following day, as judicial murder. Regarding the 'possibility of a heavy sentence in the first trial for perjury inducement,' he said, "We have established a principle of active response at the party level and will broadly review appropriate legal advice within the party's capacity," adding, "It has already been confirmed through the first trial sentencing for violation of the Public Official Election Act and the prosecution's additional indictment for breach of duty that this is an attempt at judicial murder against Leader Lee." He also stated, "We will respond fundamentally, thoroughly, and meticulously through all three trials for every issue," and "We maintain the principled position that there was no perjury or inducement of perjury."

However, while mentioning 'judicial murder,' he avoided direct criticism of the judiciary. Leader Lee also refrained from criticizing the judiciary in his remarks on the 22nd. Senior Council Member Kim said, "It should be understood that Leader Lee called for maintaining politeness and dignity in expressions without criticizing the entire judiciary," adding, "Strictly speaking, judicial murder refers to political murder using an imperfect judicial system."

Senior Council Member Kim reiterated the possibility of regime change. The Democratic Party launched the 'Governing Plan Headquarters' on the 23rd of last month, appointing Senior Council Member Kim as the General Headquarters Chief. He stated, "The Democratic Party will fight alongside the people to judge the current regime while preparing economic, trade, security, and livelihood measures centered on Leader Lee to prepare for the Trump 2.0 era," and added, "We will accelerate the substance of preparations for regime change."