Lee Jinsook Released... Ruling Party: "Does Not Align with Public Common Sense," Opposition: "We Must Set This Crazy Country Right"

The political sphere showed mixed reactions after the court ordered the release of former Korea Communications Commission Chairwoman Lee Jinsook, who had been detained by the police.

Yonhap News Agency

Baek Seungah, floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in a written briefing on October 4, "The court’s decision to grant the writ of habeas corpus for former Chairwoman Lee does not align with public common sense or legal principles." She added, "While the court acknowledged the legality of the arrest, it ignored both the urgency of the investigation and the suspect’s attempts to evade responsibility. The court has shaken public trust in the judiciary and set a dangerous precedent that could undermine the rule of law."

Spokesperson Park further criticized, "Is the court supporting suspects who try to evade prosecution until the statute of limitations expires, while turning law enforcement agencies striving to uphold justice into perpetrators? Do they still have the right to talk about the separation of powers and judicial independence?" She continued, "The public does not believe that anyone can stand above the law due to political status or parliamentary schedules. People are now questioning whether everyone is truly equal before the law," adding, "This is why the public is calling for judicial reform."

The People Power Party highlighted the court’s judgment that the necessity for detention does not currently exist, and intensified its criticism. Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, wrote on social media, "Although it is belated, it is at least fortunate that she has now been released." However, he added, "We must set this crazy country right. That is the public sentiment this Chuseok." He emphasized, "We will hold those responsible fully accountable under the law for the unlawful issuance of warrants, arrest, detention, and subsequent illegal investigations."

Choi Sujin, chief floor spokesperson, commented, "It has been revealed to the world that the police’s summons was baseless and the arrest was fabricated," criticizing, "This was a historic case of investigation record manipulation carried out just before the holiday to protect the so-called 'absolute dignity Kim Hyunji (First Secretary to the President).'"