Jeong Cheong-rae Targets People Power Party Lawmaker: "Yoon Seok-yeol Will Be Executed"

People Power Party's Objection... Judiciary Committee Suspended

Jeong Cheong-rae, chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, sparked backlash from ruling party lawmakers by stating, "President Yoon Seok-yeol will be executed."

On the 20th, at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, Jeong Cheong-rae, head of the impeachment prosecution team and chairman of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee, is speaking at a meeting between the Yoon Seok-yeol impeachment prosecution team and the legal representatives. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

On the 7th, the ruling and opposition parties clashed over allegations including President Yoon's charge of rebellion during the full meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-kyo said, "It is the court that decides whether President Yoon should be executed," adding, "The People Power Party and conservative camp who argue over this are siding with the act of rebellion."

People Power Party lawmakers protested. Some said, "President Yoon is still accused of rebellion," and "Please be careful with your language at least in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting." However, opposition lawmakers criticized the fact that 44 People Power Party lawmakers gathered in front of the presidential residence located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to prevent the execution of an arrest warrant. Ruling party lawmakers countered, saying that investigative agencies cannot conduct searches in military secret protection zones.

Amid the ongoing dispute between the ruling and opposition parties, Chairman Jeong stepped forward. He said, "The People Power Party complains about why the charge of rebellion was removed from the impeachment motion against President Yoon and speaks as if demanding quick punishment such as execution or life imprisonment, but they should be consistent and follow through," adding, "It is consistent to demand the prompt execution of the arrest warrant for the leader of the rebellion."

He continued, "(People Power Party lawmakers) should not worry too much. The Constitutional Court handles constitutional trials, and the court handles criminal trials related to rebellion," and said, "President Yoon will probably be executed."

As People Power Party lawmakers murmured, Chairman Jeong reiterated, "You don’t need to worry too much. President Yoon will be sentenced to death for rebellion by the court."

The People Power Party side protested, saying, "You should not say that." Lawmakers from both sides exchanged arguments over Chairman Jeong’s remarks. Chairman Jeong then adjourned the full meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.