"Law Firm-ization of National Judicial Institutions"
The People Power Party has criticized the presidential office for reportedly considering attorney Lee Seungyeop as one of the candidates for Constitutional Court Justice, calling it the “law firm-ization of the national judicial institutions.”
Seo Jiyoung, Floor Spokesperson of the People Power Party, stated on June 8, “The main reason why half of the public did not choose President Lee Jaemyung was because, in addition to legislative dominance, there was widespread public suspicion and anxiety that if the administration also seized executive power, it would be able to control the judiciary.”
She added, “In order to dispel such public concerns at the start of this administration, any appointment that seems to prove the public’s distrust should be withdrawn and stopped.”
Criticism from People Power Party lawmakers also continued on social networking services (SNS). They pointed out that it is inappropriate for Lee, as he served as legal counsel for President Lee in cases such as violations of the Public Official Election Act, subornation of perjury, and the “Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance allegation.”
Na Kyungwon stated, “This is not just a simple reward appointment, but an explicit attempt to take out ‘judicial insurance’ through the Constitutional Court to potentially overturn guilty verdicts,” adding, “With the Supreme Court Justice expansion bill and the introduction of constitutional complaints, this is a shield appointment aimed at providing multiple layers of judicial insurance for Lee Jaemyung’s acquittal.”
She continued, “The president must immediately withdraw the recommendation of this attorney and completely review the process for selecting Constitutional Court Justice candidates,” stressing, “We must put an end right now to the tragedy of turning the people’s shield into a shield for a criminal president.”
Kim Giheon also remarked, “President Lee’s reward appointments and packing of positions are becoming ever more egregious,” calling it “a serious unconstitutional act and a blatant abuse of authority.” He further stated, “There is a strong possibility that this constitutes an improper transaction, replacing personal legal fees with a public office appointment,” and added, “The Constitutional Court is the last bastion for protecting the Constitution of this country, not a subcontracted law firm shielding the president.”
Jang Donghyuk pointed out, “This is an open attempt to seize control of the Constitutional Court through someone who was even called ‘Lee Jaemyung’s lawyer,’” and added, “No matter how much President Lee and the ruling party call it judicial reform, it is nothing but a shield through weakening the judiciary and a judicial regression.”
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