Kim Yongtae Meets Woo Sangho: "Will Not Remain Silent on Lee's Trial Suspension Law, Constitutional Court Justice, or Populism"

Kim Yongtae: "Current Politics Closer to Confrontation Than Cooperation"
Woo Sangho: "I Will Convey Your Message to the President Without Any Filter"

Kim Yongtae, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, met with Woo Sangho, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, on June 10 and stated, "I will not remain silent in the face of legislation that shakes the constitutional order, appointments that undermine judicial independence, or populism that distorts the national economy." In response, Woo Sangho replied, "I will convey your message without any filter and will also listen to the President's views."

On this day at the National Assembly, Chairman Kim received Senior Secretary Woo and said, "If it is for the future of the country and the recovery of people's livelihoods, I am willing to engage in dialogue and compromise with an open mind, beyond political gains and losses." He added, "The current political situation is closer to confrontation than cooperation, but the People Power Party is always ready to cooperate when the government works for the people."

Kim Yongtae, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, and Woo Sangho, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs of the Presidential Office (left), are shaking hands on June 10 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. 2025.6.10 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Addressing Woo Sangho, Kim stated, "The Senior Secretary for Political Affairs is a political hotline connecting the President and the opposition party. The very fact that someone like you has been appointed to this position is seen by the opposition as a signal of the new government's willingness to communicate."

However, Chairman Kim clearly expressed his opposition to the ruling party's push for amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, the appointment of Constitutional Court justices, and the cash-based supplementary budget (extra budget) to Senior Secretary Woo.

First, Chairman Kim emphasized, "The so-called 'trial suspension law' being pushed by the Democratic Party of Korea is legislation that distorts Article 84 of the Constitution's non-prosecution privilege for political protection. Becoming President does not erase one's crimes. Stopping a trial does not make the crime disappear."

Chairman Kim also criticized the consideration of Lee Seungyeop, who served as President Lee Jaemyung's defense attorney, as a candidate for Constitutional Court justice, saying, "Neutrality and independence are the lifeblood of a Constitutional Court justice. Appointing an attorney who represented the President in such a position would, in itself, undermine the constitutional order."

He further pointed out, "A public office is not a reward for legal fees. The moment the Constitutional Court becomes a shield, it loses the public's trust in the Constitution."

Regarding the government's supplementary budget, Chairman Kim said, "Support for people's livelihoods is necessary," but stressed, "The problem lies in the method." He argued, "Handing out cash and unconditional debt forgiveness alienate citizens who have lived responsibly. Reckless populism shifts the burden onto future generations."

After hearing Chairman Kim's concerns, Senior Secretary Woo stated, "The role of the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs is to convey the opinions of the opposition party to the President without any filter. I will deliver all three issues as they are and also listen to the President's views."

He continued, "Even if there are no special pending issues, I have a long political career and have also served in the opposition, so I have experience understanding various perspectives. Let us always communicate and discuss how to build a cooperative relationship as partners."

However, regarding the supplementary budget, he emphasized, "Given the nature of a supplementary budget, prompt processing is crucial. If the timing is missed, it cannot serve as priming water." He then requested, "Please discuss it in the National Assembly, but process it quickly."