"High Court Should Deliver a Swift Ruling"
Increased Possibility of Joining the Big Tent Coalition in the Conservative Bloc
Lee Nakyeon, Standing Advisor of the New Future Democratic Party, stated on May 1 that "the Democratic Party is facing a serious situation" after the Supreme Court overturned and remanded the second trial ruling that acquitted Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate who was prosecuted for violating the Public Official Election Act. Lee, who has announced his intention to run for president, is also being mentioned as a possible participant in an anti-Lee Jaemyung "big tent" coalition discussed by the conservative bloc.
Lee Nakyeon, Standing Advisor of the New Future Democratic Party, said on the 1st that "the Democratic Party is facing a serious situation" after the Supreme Court overturned and remanded the second trial ruling that acquitted Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, who was prosecuted for violating the Public Official Election Act. Lee Nakyeon Facebook
On his social networking service (SNS) account, Lee expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court justices, saying, "I thank the justices for bringing good news to the people, who have too often experienced the loss of common sense." He added, "Public trust in the judiciary has not yet been fully restored," and urged, "I especially call for a swift ruling from the High Court that received the remand." Addressing his former party, the Democratic Party, Lee said, "The party is facing a serious situation. At this point, it is common sense to replace the candidate," and remarked, "I will watch with concern to see whether the Democratic Party will restore common sense."
Previously, on April 28, Lee declared his candidacy for the presidency and left open the possibility of unifying with Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister. There is also speculation that Lee may seek an alliance with Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform Party. Meanwhile, on May 1, Han announced his intention to take on "greater responsibility," indirectly declaring his presidential bid and resigning from the position of prime minister.
Meanwhile, Lee's recent moves have drawn strong criticism from the Democratic Party, especially among pro-Lee Jaemyung members. Jeong Cheongrae, a Democratic Party lawmaker and chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, harshly criticized Lee's candidacy on SNS, saying, "I hope you spend money and experience the bitterness of a sub-one-percent vote share." Park Yongjin, a former lawmaker from the non-Lee Jaemyung faction who was appointed as chair of the National Unity Committee for Lee Jaemyung's campaign, also commented on Lee's candidacy, saying, "Aren't you crossing the line?" and added, "It is not the right thing to do."
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