Mixed Reactions to Lee Jae Myung's Trial Postponement... Democrats Call It "Natural Decision," People Power Party Says "Hard to Accept" (Comprehensive)

Seoul High Court: "Postponed to Ensure Equal Campaign Opportunities"
Democratic Party: "Minimum Conditions for a Fair Election Secured"
People Power Party: "Now the Choice Belongs to the People"

The political sphere was sharply divided on May 7 regarding the Seoul High Court's decision to postpone the first trial date of the remand trial for Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act until after the presidential election. The Democratic Party and candidate Lee welcomed the decision, calling it "natural," while the People Power Party expressed "regret" and criticized the move.

Cho Seungrae, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, stated in a briefing that the postponement of the remand trial by the Seoul High Court was "the natural decision," and assessed that "the minimum conditions for a fair election have been established." He added, "It is fortunate that the court has finally made a judgment in line with the principles of popular sovereignty and common sense."

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung is greeting citizens and supporters at the Imshil Market in Imsil County, Jeonbuk, on the 7th during his "Listening Tour Through Every Alley: National Journey Edition." Photo by Yonhap News

Chief spokesperson Cho also pointed out, "In addition to the Public Official Election Act trial, there are several other trials scheduled," and argued, "Postponing the remaining trials as well would be the proper course of action." He emphasized, "There should be no factors that hinder the realization of popular sovereignty going forward," and added, "The judiciary must quickly put an end to the controversy that it is attempting to restrict the people's right to participate in politics."

Earlier that day, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7 (Chief Judge Lee Jaegwon) postponed the first trial date of candidate Lee's remand trial for violating the Public Official Election Act from May 15 to June 18. Regarding this, the Seoul High Court explained, "The trial date was changed to after the presidential election to guarantee the defendant, who is a presidential candidate, an equal opportunity for election campaigning and to eliminate any controversy regarding the fairness of the trial."

Candidate Lee also welcomed the court's decision. Meeting with reporters in Jeonju, Jeonbuk, he said, "I believe the court has made a just and proper decision, as it should, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution." He added, "The Republic of Korea is a democratic republic, and all power comes from the people. As this is a crucial time when the people are exercising their sovereignty in practice, it is extremely important to ensure that nothing interferes with the people's exercise of their sovereignty."

In contrast, the People Power Party expressed regret over the Seoul High Court's decision. Shin Dongwook, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, commented on the postponement of candidate Lee's remand trial by the Seoul High Court, saying, "Although it may be said that the decision was made after careful consideration to eliminate controversy over the fairness of the trial in accordance with law and principle, it is questionable whether the majority of the public will be able to accept this."

People Power Party lawmakers are holding signs with messages such as "Immediately Stop Lee Jae Myung's Exoneration Legislation" and shouting slogans in front of the plenary meeting room of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on May 7, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Chief spokesperson Shin also expressed concern over the fact that candidate Lee's side has requested changes to the trial dates in other cases due to the election. He said, "Candidate Lee's side has also requested changes to the trial dates for the Daejang-dong and perjury incitement cases," and criticized, "Depending on whether the verdict is favorable or not, or on how the judge conducts the trial, they threaten to wield the impeachment card against the judge at will, which is nothing more than another attempt to arbitrarily shake the judiciary."

Chief spokesperson Shin emphasized the importance of voters' choice, now that the trial variable?once considered a major factor in the presidential election?has been removed by the Seoul High Court's decision. He stated, "With the judiciary postponing the trial date, the choice now rests with the people," and added, "We look forward to the wise judgment of the wise people."