Democratic Party: "Yoon Deserves Death Sentence as Verdict"... People Power Party Breaks Silence, Calls for "Fair Trial"

Jeong Cheongrae Stresses “He Must Face Legal Consequences”
Jang Donghyuk Says “Will Not Comment on Special Prosecutor’s Recommendation”
Park Soohyun Points Out “PPP Silent on Yoon’s Death Sentence, but Expels Han Donghoon”

The Democratic Party of Korea stated that “the death sentence is also appropriate” for former President Yoon Seokyeol, in response to the special prosecutor seeking the death penalty for him on charges of insurrection. The People Power Party refrained from making an official comment, instead calling for a “fair trial.”

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, referred to the special prosecutor’s request for the death penalty at an on-site Supreme Council meeting held in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. He stated, “We must put a legal nail in the coffin so that no one can ever even dream of insurrection again,” and added, “We must make sure that this time, we definitively settle the matter so that no one can ever dream of insurrection or martial law, trample on constitutional order, or even imagine undermining democracy.”

Yonhap News Agency

He continued, “I offer a word of advice to Judge Ji Guyon, who presided over the trial as if it were a ‘bed soccer’ match, dragging it out endlessly. Do not forget that history will judge you. I hope the verdict will at least partially make up for the disappointment you have shown so far.”

Regarding former President Yoon’s final statement in which he claimed that martial law was a warning measure, Jeong criticized, “Wasn’t it thanks to the people that there were no victims of martial law? He is a truly cowardly and shameless person who tries to take credit for the virtue of the citizens.”

Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also commented on the significance of the death penalty request, saying, “What was shocking was the smile on his face at the very moment the death penalty was sought. His arrogance in mocking the court and looking down on the people proves why he committed insurrection.”

The People Power Party did not issue an official statement regarding the special prosecutor’s request for the death penalty for former President Yoon. However, during a Q&A session with reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment on the prosecution’s, especially the special prosecutor’s, sentencing recommendation. I expect the court will conduct a fair trial.”

In this context, Park Soohyun, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, “January 13 is a historic day when the special prosecutor requested the death penalty for Yoon Seokyeol, the ringleader of the insurrection. The People Power Party did not issue even a single line of commentary, while on the same day, former leader Han Donghoon was expelled in a show of force.” Park added, “Isn’t it shameful to remain completely silent on the death penalty request for Yoon Seokyeol, while issuing a ‘strict expulsion’ for Han Donghoon’s violation of the party member bulletin board?”