Han Donghoon Criticizes "Other Measures if Lee's Trial Resumes," Calls It an Illegal Declaration of Refusal to Accept the Verdict

"There are no other lawful measures"
"Chief Secretary Kang Hoonshik's response is shocking"

Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party, criticized Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik's remarks that "other measures would be necessary if the judiciary overturns President Lee Jaemyung's claim to suspend his trial," calling it "an illegal declaration of refusal to accept the court's ruling."

On November 7, Han wrote on his Facebook page, "There are no other lawful measures in the Republic of Korea except to accept the court's ruling," expressing his position on the matter.

Han Donghoon, former representative. Photo by Yonhap News.

Han further stated, "I publicly asked whether, if Lee Jaemyung's trial resumes, there would be unconditional acceptance of the verdict. However, Chief Secretary Kang Hoonshik replied, 'Other measures would be necessary if the trial resumes.' This is shocking."

Earlier that day, during a comprehensive policy inquiry at the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, Assemblyman Jeong Jeomsik of the People Power Party asked Chief Secretary Kang for his opinion on criticisms that the so-called "trial suspension law" is a shield for the president's personal criminal case. Kang responded, "The judges have already expressed the view that the trial should be suspended. If, contrary to their previous declaration, the court overturns this, I believe other measures would be necessary." Regarding the controversy over the constitutionality of the trial suspension law, he added, "There has been little discussion on that issue itself."

Previously, the Democratic Party of Korea had pushed for legislation to suspend criminal trials of sitting presidents, known as the "trial suspension law," but halted discussions at the request of the presidential office.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.