People Power Party: "'Suspending Trials for Elected Presidents' Bill Is a Legislative Coup by Democratic Party"

"Lee Jaemyung Bulletproof Law... An Outrage Shaking the Foundations of the Nation"

On May 2, the People Power Party criticized the introduction of a proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, led by the Democratic Party of Korea, which would suspend ongoing criminal trials if the defendant is elected president. The party described this as an "unprecedented legislative coup."

Yonhap News

Chief Spokesperson Shin Dongwook stated in a commentary that "The Democratic Party has lost its reason. Just one day after the Supreme Court delivered a guilty verdict, they have brought out the so-called 'Lee Jaemyung bulletproof law.' Forcibly halting trials that have already begun is a destruction of the rule of law and a violent act that tramples on equality before the law."

He further pointed out, "If this bill passes, it would mean that anyone who commits a crime could avoid trial simply by becoming president. This is a direct challenge to democracy and the rule of law."

Criticism from People Power Party lawmakers also continued on social networking services such as Facebook. Emergency Response Committee Chairperson Kwon Youngse wrote, "These people are not satisfied with an 'imperial presidency'?they seem intent on creating an actual 'emperor.'" Lawmaker Na Kyungwon stated, "This is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the nation. It will only continue to produce national paralysis and constitutional distortion."

Lawmaker Jang Donghyuk also wrote, "This is legislation solely to save Lee Jaemyung and a violent act of defiance against the Supreme Court's ruling." Lawmaker Joo Jinwoo remarked, "If such a precedent is set, laws will be created to resolve situations whenever they arise. It is reminiscent of the phrase from the era of absolute monarchy in France, 'I am the state.'" Lawmaker Bae Junyoung stated, "The fact that the law is being amended is itself an admission by the Democratic Party that, under current law, even the president cannot avoid civil or criminal trials."

There was also criticism regarding calls from some within the Democratic Party on May 1 to impeach the ten Supreme Court justices who supported the remand decision. Lawmaker Kim Jangkyum posted a related article on Facebook, writing, "This is what political retaliation, a legislative coup, and a plot for insurrection through legislative violence look like."