Lee Jae-myung Promises 'Unconditional Acceptance' of Yoon Impeachment Constitutional Court Ruling, Why? [Political Spotlight]

Lee Jaemyung: "Acceptance is Naturally Required"
Partial Acknowledgment of Opposition Responsibility for the Catastrophic Political Situation
Possibility of Political Reform Agenda Taking Center Stage After Impeachment

Regarding the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol currently underway at the Constitutional Court, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has explicitly expressed his intention to accept the ruling. In a situation where the impeachment trial of President Yoon is even being described as a psychological civil war, attention is focused on the background behind Lee’s statement that "acceptance is naturally required."

On the 12th, Lee made this remark in response to a question about whether he would accept the Constitutional Court’s ruling during an appearance on Channel A’s YouTube broadcast. He said, "What would happen if we do not accept decisions made according to the constitutional order of a democratic republic?" and added, "(Refusal) is nonsense. We must naturally accept it." In political circles, it is being evaluated that Lee is the first responsible party across both ruling and opposition parties, including President Yoon, to express an intention to accept the ruling.

With the schedule for the impeachment trial verdict of President Yoon not yet disclosed, the political situation is escalating into an intense confrontation, with not only lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties but also citizens taking to the streets. The court’s decision to cancel President Yoon’s detention and the Constitutional Court’s verdict schedule being delayed much longer than expected have heightened tensions in the political sphere more than ever before.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks at the national crisis overcoming forum held at the Democratic Party's tent protest site in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 12th. 2025.3.12 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Some speculate that the opposition party’s near-total mobilization reflects anxiety over the Constitutional Court’s decision. In this context, Lee expressed his intention to accept the ruling. Notably, Lee not only expressed acceptance but also voiced self-reflection regarding the catastrophic political situation. Regarding the so-called serial impeachment controversy, Lee questioned, "It is true that there have been many impeachments, but do you think we were happy about that?" He said, "If you keep asking which came first, the chicken or the egg, it never ends," and "We do not think we are blameless either, given what has accumulated between us."

However, he firmly denied the ‘mutual responsibility theory’ related to martial law. Lee stated, "Although I may be criticized for excessively exercising the authority granted within the framework of constitutional order, I did not go beyond that," and "I did not carry out any illegal or unconstitutional acts." Additionally, Lee mentioned that there were intentions to negotiate on issues such as pension reform and medical school reform.

Some interpret Lee’s expression of willingness to accept the Constitutional Court’s decision as a sign of confidence regarding the impeachment trial outcome. It is seen as a move to prepare for the political situation following President Yoon’s impeachment trial. If an early presidential election phase unfolds, there is also interest in whether Lee will propose a political model of cooperation based on his constitutional amendment plans.