Democratic Party Gwangju Chapter Condemns Supreme Court's Judicial Coup

Statement Released... "A Ruling Tailored to Fit"
"Advancing to Achieve a 'True Korea'"

On May 1, the Gwangju City Chapter of the Democratic Party of Korea stated, "Today's Supreme Court remand of candidate Lee Jae-myung's Public Official Election Act case, with a guilty verdict, is nothing but a hasty 'political maneuver,'" adding, "We denounce the Supreme Court's ruling as a 'judicial coup tantamount to Yoon Suk-yeol's rebellion.'"

The Gwangju City Chapter of the Democratic Party, in a statement released the same day, said, "After referring candidate Lee Jae-myung's case to the full bench on April 22, the Supreme Court hastily set a sentencing date. Such a schedule is unprecedented," and questioned, "Is it possible to review tens of thousands of pages of extensive trial records in just nine days?"

The statement continued, "This ruling was predetermined and tailored to fit a conclusion," and pointed out, "Of the 12 Supreme Court justices, 10 are considered moderate or conservative, and 2 are progressive. The composition of the bench appears to have influenced the verdict, which raises further suspicion that the ruling was manipulated."

They further asserted, "Today's ruling will not stop candidate Lee Jae-myung's earnestness and desperation for a 'new Korea, a true Korea,'" and warned, "The people will define the Supreme Court, which forced a remand before the June 3 presidential election, as a 'judicial coup by the conservative legal cartel,' and will actively support candidate Lee Jae-myung to protect democracy."

The Gwangju City Chapter of the Democratic Party emphasized, "We condemn the Supreme Court's remand that has trampled on the people's aspirations," and pledged, "The Democratic Party will move forward unwaveringly to realize a 'true Korea' solely for the people."

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's candidate for the 21st presidential election, stated on his social media immediately after the verdict, "Decisions affecting the lives of the people are neither made by politicians nor by the judiciary. Ultimately, it is the people who decide. I will move forward confidently, trusting only in the people."