"Lee is outstanding, but his election would bring 'tyranny of the majority'"
"Han Ducksoo should unite even with Lee Nakyon for a single candidacy"
Shin Pyung, a lawyer who was known as the mentor of former President Yoon Sukyeol, stated that Lee Jaemyung should not be elected, and praised Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo as "the only hope to prevent national decline and to fully preserve Korean democracy."
Shin Pyung, a lawyer who was called the mentor of former President Yoon Sukyeol, described Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo as "the only hope of democracy." Yonhap News
On April 25, Shin Pyung wrote on social media, "I firmly believe that Lee Jaemyung should not be elected president," and analyzed, "If he becomes president, all executive power will be transferred to his side under the current parliamentary dictatorship, and furthermore, about two-thirds of judicial power will also shift." He expressed concern that "the 'tyranny of the majority' described by the renowned French political philosopher Tocqueville would be realized at its peak." He continued, "What will happen when the fusion of powers meets the formal principle of majority rule?" and added, "This is by no means a democracy permitted by our Constitution."
Shin further explained, "As a constitutional scholar, although I am aware that Lee possesses outstanding qualities, I oppose his election because it would plunge us into the misfortunes of a troubled constitutional history."
He stated, "Although Lee's overwhelming lead seems to be the prevailing trend, there are faint signs that the current one-sided structure could be shaken if Han enters the race." However, he added, "These signs are still too weak." To make this more certain, he argued, "After Acting President Han Ducksoo enters the race, the final candidate of the People Power Party should be unified, and even former Prime Minister Lee Nakyon should be included." He then referred to the 1997 presidential election, claiming that former President Kim Daejung was elected by combining the DJP alliance with the support of Park Taejun.
In conclusion, he said, "Acting President Han should be able to embrace the People Power Party candidate and other major candidates with a spirit of unity, tolerance, and humility, with the intention of forming a coalition government."
Acting President Han Ducksoo, who has been strongly urged by the conservative camp to run for president, has reportedly told those around him that "it is difficult to avoid calls from the political community to run." It appears he has decided to run for president. In order for Acting President Han to run in the presidential election, he must resign from public office by the deadline of May 4. Since a cabinet meeting is scheduled for April 29, there is speculation that he may resign on April 30, the following day.
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