Kim Youngrok: "Trials to Destroy Lee Jaemyung... Even Qin Shi Huang Would Rise from His Grave"

On Facebook on the 6th, criticized "judiciary's soap opera"
June 3 trial is "election interference"... undermines public decision-making
Argues Lee's trial dates should be postponed until after the presidential election

Kim Youngrok Jeonnam Governor

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, strongly criticized the series of court hearings scheduled for Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, during the election campaign period, calling them "judicial violence."

On May 6, through his Facebook page, Governor Kim stated, "The judiciary is writing a soap opera," and added, "The Supreme Court reviewed 60,000 pages of trial records in just two hearings over two days and issued a remand decision. Such reckless actions are being repeated."

He continued, "The Seoul High Court also set five court dates for Lee Jaemyung's trial during the presidential election period," and pointed out, "At this point, it's as if they're telling him not to campaign. This is a series of trials aimed at destroying the candidate."

He further emphasized, "Holding a 'trial to destroy Lee Jaemyung' even on the presidential election day, June 3, is a blatant intervention by the judiciary in the election, and it is a clear violation of the Constitution as it undermines the people's right to make decisions in an election. There is no advanced country in the world where unelected judicial elites control elections and state affairs."

Governor Kim asserted, "It is entirely reasonable to postpone all of Lee Jaemyung's trial dates until after the presidential election," and added, "If the judiciary continues to adhere to the so-called 'judicial omnipotence,' which holds that the authority to interpret the law belongs solely to the courts, I am deeply concerned that public trust in the judiciary will collapse. Even Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who absolutely believed in the rule of law, would rise from his grave at this."

In conclusion, he said, "Article 84 of the Constitution stipulates that, except in cases of insurrection or treason, the president is immune from criminal prosecution for ordinary crimes while in office," and added, "Article 11 of the Public Official Election Act states that a presidential candidate, from the time of registration until the end of vote counting, cannot be arrested or detained unless caught in the act of a crime punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for seven years or more. In light of the intent of these laws, it is only natural that Lee Jaemyung's trial should be postponed until after the presidential election."