Lee Seokyeon Criticizes Chung Cheongrae: "Politics Departing from the Constitution Is Violence... Legal Distortion Crime Must Be Reconsidered"

Chung: "Please offer frank and direct criticism"
Lee: "The National Assembly is the root of conflict... Wisdom is needed"

On December 11, Chung Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked Seok-Yeon Lee, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, to "offer frank and direct criticism whenever the party falls short or makes mistakes." In response, Chairman Lee delivered a pointed critique, stating, "Politics that stray from the constitutional path are no longer within the constitutional framework. Such politics are unlawful and represent a departure from constitutional principles, amounting to the violence of compromise." He then requested a reconsideration of the crime of legal distortion.

During their meeting at the main building of the National Assembly, Chung remarked, "Although we have a constitution, its interpretation can vary depending on one's perspective or the individual involved. Sometimes, the constitution is even misused," expressing his concerns to Chairman Lee.

Chairman Lee, who was the first constitutional researcher at the Constitutional Court, has served as the fourth Secretary-General of the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice and as the head of the Ministry of Government Legislation under the Lee Myungbak administration, working across both progressive and conservative circles. In the 21st presidential election, he served as co-chairman of the election campaign committee for Lee Jaemyung, then the Democratic Party candidate.

Chung further stated, "How great it would be if the Republic of Korea operated strictly according to the constitution and the law. However, even in the National Assembly, which makes the laws, there are often actions that go against the constitution and the law. Whenever that happened, Chairman Lee's strong words served as an important example. He is truly well-suited to be the Chairman of the National Integration Committee."

Lee Seokyeon, Chairman of the National Integration Committee (right), is greeting Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

Chairman Lee, addressing Chung's request for advice, said, "The root of national division and public conflict lies in politics and the National Assembly. No matter how much effort is made in other areas, if the National Assembly does not cooperate, everything else becomes secondary. That is why I am here-to seek the cooperation of the National Assembly. I hope the political community can demonstrate greater wisdom and deliver on the expectations of the people."

He continued, "Political conflict is indeed difficult, but from the public's perspective, these are not genuine conflicts; rather, they appear to be driven by partisan interests, which leads to significant disappointment."

In response, Chung said, "I take your words that 'politics is the source of public anxiety' very seriously. I will reflect on how to make people feel more at ease and promise to manage the National Assembly and politics better in the future."

Chairman Lee requested that Chung reconsider the handling of the crime of legal distortion. The proposed law would punish prosecutors, police officers, and judges who intentionally distort and misapply the law. Not only the opposition and the legal community, but also some progressive groups and ruling party lawmakers, have voiced opposition, citing concerns that the law may be unconstitutional.

After meeting with Chung, Chairman Lee told reporters, "I explained in detail which aspects are potentially unconstitutional and which are not. I suggested either raising constitutional concerns or postponing the handling of the bill."