Jeong Cheongrae: "Death Penalty Demand for Yoon Feels Natural... Lee Hyehoon Controversy, Presidential Appointment Authority Should Be Respected"

Second Special Prosecutor Bill Aimed for January 8 Passage
Lee Hyehoon Nominee Urged to Offer Humble Apology

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on January 6 that the prosecution's demand for the death penalty during the sentencing trial of former President Yoon Seokyeol "feels completely natural."

During an appearance on MBC Radio that day, Jeong commented on the sentencing trial of former President Yoon, saying, "Isn't former President Yoon being charged as the ringleader of a rebellion? In that case, the only possible sentences are the death penalty or life imprisonment," adding, "It would be strange if the prosecution did not seek the death penalty."

As the former chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the impeachment prosecutor during Yoon's impeachment process, Jeong said, "Looking at the laws on rebellion and martial law, the ringleader of a rebellion can only be sentenced to death or life imprisonment," and predicted, "A defendant charged as the ringleader of a rebellion cannot avoid the death penalty or life imprisonment."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the 2nd plenary meeting of the Special Committee on Chungnam-Daejeon Integration and Chungcheong Region Development held at the National Assembly on January 6, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jeong also expressed his determination to process the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill by January 8. Previously, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee had announced on January 5 its schedule to handle the special prosecutor bill, but later postponed it. Regarding this, Jeong said, "It seems there was concern that any controversy arising while the president is on an overseas trip might overshadow the achievements of the trip," and added, "The second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, as well as those on the Unification Church and Shincheonji, are largely coordinated. Yesterday, I contacted the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and suggested we proceed, so we decided to meet on the 7th, and if possible, we are aiming to process it on the 8th."

Regarding the special prosecutor bills on the Unification Church and Shincheonji, Jeong said, "The People Power Party proposed a special prosecutor for the Unification Church, so we accepted that and decided to proceed with both. However, it seems they are reluctant about the Shincheonji special prosecutor," adding, "If the People Power Party insists on excluding the Shincheonji special prosecutor, we will have no choice but to push for its inclusion even more strongly."

Meanwhile, regarding the confirmation hearing for Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of the National Assembly Budget Office, Jeong said, "The president's exclusive right to personnel appointments should be respected," and added, "If she performs well as a minister, any current disappointment will likely be compensated." He continued, "If the nominee offers a more humble apology and reflection regarding her remarks about the rebellion crisis, and presents a clear vision once she becomes minister, it could help alleviate the disappointment."