People Power Party Holds Parliamentary Meeting in Front of Court Amid Concerns Over "Three Major Special Prosecutor Bills," Vows to Fight Judicial Destruction

On June 11, the People Power Party (PPP) held an on-site parliamentary meeting in front of the Seoul High Court, criticizing both the postponement of President Lee Jaemyung’s trial and the Democratic Party’s push to revise the Criminal Procedure Act. As the so-called “three major special prosecutor bills” (the Special Act on Insurrection, the Kim Keonhee Special Prosecutor Act, and the Chae Sangbyeong Special Prosecutor Act) passed the Cabinet meeting, the PPP has been intensifying its offensive against the ruling bloc amid growing internal and external concerns.

Kim Yongtae, the interim leader of the PPP, stated at the on-site meeting, “It has been only a week since the new administration was launched, yet the judicial system of the Republic of Korea is being shaken at a pace beyond imagination,” adding, “We will fight to the end against the judicial destruction committed by absolute power.”

Yonhap News Agency

Kim further argued, “It is now blatantly clear that the true purpose of the power President Lee sought was not for the nation or its people, but solely to shield himself from judicial risk,” and claimed, “The rule of law and liberal democracy in Korea are being undermined by absolute power.”

Previously, on June 8, the Seoul High Court announced that the retrial hearing for President Lee’s violation of the Public Official Election Act, initially scheduled for June 18, had been postponed to a later date. Considering the explanation that this was in accordance with Article 84 of the Constitution, it appears that President Lee’s related trials will be delayed until after his presidential term ends.

Kim also criticized the consideration of Lee Seungyeop, who previously served as President Lee’s defense attorney, as a candidate for Constitutional Court justice, saying, “President Lee is blatantly attempting to appoint his criminal defense lawyers to the Constitutional Court.”

He added, “In particular, he is trying to include Attorney Lee, who, during President Lee’s tenure as Gyeonggi Governor, essentially served as his personal legal advisor. This truly gives a sense of deja vu.” This remark was aimed at the controversy that arose during last year’s general election, when many anti-Lee (non-Lee) lawmakers were excluded from nominations, leading to allegations of unfair nominations.

Kwon Seongdong, the PPP floor leader who has already expressed his intention to resign, also joined in the criticism of President Lee, saying, “In the minds of the people, President Lee’s legal and moral authority has collapsed.” He added, “How long do you think a government that is infinitely lenient to itself and endlessly strict with others can last? Whether the Democratic Party tries to suppress the judiciary with power or with the law, they may be able to block it for a while, but I warn them that they can never destroy democracy forever.”

Kwon also addressed the judiciary, questioning, “How can we expect a fair balance from a judiciary that preemptively bows to the winds of power and abandons its own principles? Did you ever have the will to make a ruling on this case in the first place?”

The People Power Party plans to continue pressuring the judiciary through relay protests and a nationwide petition campaign.

Meanwhile, the PPP is scheduled to hold another parliamentary meeting at the National Assembly later in the afternoon to discuss Kim’s position as interim leader and the timing of the party convention.