Expresses Concern Over Possible Release Upon Expiry of Detention Period
Strongly Criticizes Judge Ji Guyoun for Slow Trial Progress
Calls for Judicial Reform Amid Deep Distrust of the Judiciary
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly expressed his distrust of the judiciary on September 5 and urged for swift discussions regarding the Special Act on Insurrection, which includes the establishment of a special tribunal for insurrection. He voiced concerns that, due to delayed trials, former President Yoon Sukyeol could be released again.
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on September 5, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
At the Supreme Council meeting of the Democratic Party held at the National Assembly that day, Jeong referenced former President Yoon's previous release and mentioned that, immediately after his release, the Presidential Security Service attempted to purchase 200 rifles capable of firing 1,000 rounds per minute. He said, "I am overwhelmed by the anxiety that Yoon Sukyeol might be released again," and added, "If Judge Ji Guyoun continues to conduct the insurrection trial at the current slow pace, like time-wasting tactics in soccer, Yoon Sukyeol may be released when his detention period expires and could attend his trial while commuting from outside." He emphasized, "We must prevent this from happening."
Jeong stated, "The amendment to the three major special prosecutor laws has passed, and the Special Act on the Insurrection Tribunal has been referred to the first subcommittee for review," adding, "The special prosecutor for insurrection is still investigating Yoon Sukyeol's insurrection charges, and the investigation into his foreign exchange crime allegations remains at a standstill. An investigation into the prosecution's alleged involvement in insurrection must also begin." He continued, "There are too many issues regarding the Kim Keonhee special prosecutor, so an extension of the investigation period is inevitable. I hope the investigation will be thorough until the end."
He pointed out, "The bigger issue is Judge Ji's handling of Yoon Sukyeol's trial," adding, "People are afraid and angry at the court, worrying that Yoon Sukyeol might be released again, walking freely on the streets and visiting popular restaurants." Jeong said, "No one can avoid the public demand to establish a dedicated special tribunal for insurrection," and urged, "I hope the Legislation and Judiciary Committee will discuss this promptly." He also commented, "Considering Chief Justice Cho Heedae's lightning-fast retrial decision on the presidential election intervention allegations and Judge Ji's release of Yoon Sukyeol, the public sentiment for court and judicial reform may well be something the judiciary has brought upon itself. It is all self-inflicted."
The mention of Chief Justice Cho's retrial decision appears to be a misstatement by Jeong, who likely meant remand for retrial. Previously, Chief Justice Cho Heedae decided on a remand for retrial with a guilty verdict in relation to President Lee Jaemyung's acquittal under the Public Official Election Act during his presidential candidacy.
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