People Power Party: "Jeong Seongho and Noh Manseok Must Resign... Protest Visit to Supreme Prosecutors' Office and Ministry of Justice Tomorrow"

Song Eonseok Urges Ruling Party: "Let's Immediately Launch a Parliamentary Investigation"
"Decision Not to Appeal Is an Act of Self-Harm Against the Rule of Law"

On November 10, the People Power Party called for the resignations of Justice Minister Jeong Seongho and Acting Prosecutor General Noh Manseok in response to the prosecution's decision not to appeal the first trial verdict in the Daejang-dong development corruption case. The party announced plans to mobilize all its resources for a full-scale offensive against the government and the ruling party, including a protest visit to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the Ministry of Justice and a condemnation rally scheduled for November 11.

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party meeting held at the National Assembly on November 10, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, met with reporters after a party meeting at the National Assembly and stated, "The lawmakers agreed that the decision not to appeal is a grave incident that undermines the judicial system of the Republic of Korea." He added, "Tomorrow, the lawmakers will visit the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the Ministry of Justice to protest, and we are currently coordinating the time."

Song further commented, "Yesterday, Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said that a parliamentary investigation, a hearing, or a permanent special prosecutor could be considered." He continued, "We have reached a consensus to immediately begin discussions between the ruling and opposition parties on holding an interpellation session or a parliamentary investigation at the plenary session." He then proposed to Floor Leader Kim, "I suggest that a parliamentary investigation into external pressure regarding the decision not to appeal be conducted immediately."

Regarding People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk's remark that this decision not to appeal could be grounds for President Lee Jaemyung's impeachment, Song explained, "We have agreed to further discuss with the lawmakers whether to pursue impeachment right away or whether it is feasible to do so."

Earlier at the party meeting, Floor Leader Song had criticized, "The decision not to appeal only serves to benefit the group of criminals. It is the worst possible decision, and the very act of deciding not to appeal constitutes another breach of trust, dereliction of duty, and an act of self-harm against the rule of law."

Song added, "Not appealing is the first step in building up to erasing Lee Jaemyung's trial. After this, there will be a sequence of actions: withdrawal of the indictment, abolition of the breach of trust charge, amendment of the Public Official Election Act, increasing the number of Supreme Court justices to seize control of the Supreme Court, and the introduction of the so-called 'private motive system.' In other words, the so-called 'six-step package to erase the trial' will follow." He further pressed, "Justice Minister Jeong, who directed the decision not to appeal, and Acting Prosecutor General Noh, who completely submitted to those in power, must take responsibility for destroying the judicial system and resign immediately."

In particular, regarding Justice Minister Jeong's comment during a doorstep interview on his way to work that he had "advised careful and independent judgment" on the decision not to appeal, Song remarked, "It is impossible to tell whether this statement came from the Minister of Justice, who oversees the prosecution representing the public interest of the Republic of Korea, or from a defense attorney for the Daejang-dong criminal group. It was pitiful to see the minister desperately trying to deflect by mentioning matters completely unrelated to this case. Ultimately, the essence of his statement was a confession of external pressure."