Lee Seok-yeon: "Better to Withdraw Second Comprehensive Special Prosecutor Bill... Could Be Seen as Political Retaliation"

Lee Seok-yeon, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, is speaking at a discussion hosted by the Gwankun Club held on the 13th at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Seok-yeon, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, commented on January 13 regarding the Democratic Party's push for a second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, stating, "It would be better to exercise restraint; I would like to suggest that it is best to withdraw it."

At the Gwanhun Club discussion held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on this day, Chairman Lee said, "While it is necessary to hold those involved in the rebellion accountable, three major special prosecutor investigations have already thoroughly examined the matter, and any shortcomings have been transferred to the National Investigation Headquarters, which is continuing the investigation."

Chairman Lee further noted, "If we return to a special prosecutor-centered political climate, it could be perceived as political retaliation," adding, "The line between punishing those involved in the rebellion and political retaliation is ambiguous." He also mentioned, "President Lee Jaemyung, during his candidacy, personally pledged to end political retaliation during his term." He continued, "If someone is determined to assign guilt, evidence can always be found. When those with wealth and power show generosity and embrace others, the path to integration opens."

Regarding the Democratic Party's push to introduce a new crime of legal distortion, he criticized, "It is a disgrace to civilized nations and a law that should never be enacted." Chairman Lee said, "As a legal professional, a constitutional scholar, and as a citizen, I cannot accept the fact that such a law is even being conceived and pushed forward," urging, "At the very least, please withdraw this bill."

As for the law establishing a dedicated court for rebellion, which has already been implemented, he stated, "I met with Democratic Party Representative Jeong Cheongrae to express concerns and discussed several unconstitutional aspects that needed to be addressed," asserting that the unconstitutional elements have been removed. However, Chairman Lee explained, "From a constitutional philosophy perspective, there remains the philosophical debate over whether creating a court after the fact to punish individuals aligns with constitutional justice."