Lee Jun-seok: "Yoon's Release Is a Judicial Disaster... Democratic Party Criticizes Prosecutors While Ignoring the Corruption Investigation Office"

Lee Jun-seok Appears on MBC's '100-Minute Debate'
"Surprised by the Court's Unusual Decision"
"If I Become President, Cooperation Will Be Inevitable"

Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, described the confusion caused by President Yoon Seok-yeol's release from detention as "very regrettable. A judicial disaster." On the 11th, Lee appeared on MBC's '100-Minute Debate' and said, "The court's unusual decision is surprising, the prosecution's failure to proceed with the next steps is also surprising, and it is surprising that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) pushed forward with the investigation despite controversy over its scope."

Lee Jun-seok, Member of the Reform New Party. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Regarding the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling, Lee said, "It is difficult to predict. The Constitutional Court faces increased pressure to deliver a flawless verdict, and since it is judging 'rebellion,' which is the most important issue in the constitution, the impeachment is expected to be unanimously upheld."

However, he pointed out, "The Democratic Party of Korea tends to criticize the prosecution first whenever something happens. The impeachment of the judge, which was the trigger for the release cancellation, can be done. But instead of focusing on the judge's impeachment, they are habitually wielding a stick against the prosecution. There is not a single word about the CIO."

When asked whether he thinks President Yoon will intervene to exert political influence in the People Power Party's presidential primary or party convention after being removed from office, Lee predicted, "He will express preferences by allowing some people into the private residence and rejecting others. If there is a future presidential election, it is possible that he will attend the scene directly. He will try to exert influence." He added, "As President Yoon came out, it seems he is quietly aiming for dismissal. After the impeachment ruling, the president's actions could become more radical."

Regarding the possibility of alliances with the two major parties during the presidential election phase, he drew a clear line, saying, "Neither party is likely to join hands." He continued, "Looking at elections with good results, during the People Power Party's (party leader) convention, the candidate received the people's wishes with a bold message from a position of weakness. When they sincerely focused without turning to unification."

Lee emphasized, "If I were president, cooperation would be a forced situation. It is impossible to govern the country alone as a minority party. If the people want a situation where cooperation is forced, then supporting Lee Jun-seok this time would be a good option."