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Key Points

South Korea's political landscape is heating up as the Democratic Party challenges a Supreme Court decision targeting presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung. The party is threatening to use legislative powers to prevent what they call a "judicial coup" that could potentially disqualify Lee from the June 3 election. At stake is Lee's eligibility to run, hinging on a potential election law violation trial. The confrontation reveals deep tensions between the political and judicial branches of South Korean government.

Key Points: Lee Jae-myung's Trial Threat Sparks South Korea Election Drama

  • Democratic Party threatens judicial intervention over Lee's election law case
  • Supreme Court's decision could impact Lee's presidential eligibility
  • Party considers potential impeachment of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae
  • Election campaign fairness at stake
3 min read

South Korea's Democratic Party urges court to postpone presidential candidate Lee's remanded trial

South Korea's Democratic Party challenges judiciary's move against presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung before crucial June election

"We will prevent the judiciary's coup from taking place - Rep. Yun Ho-jung, Democratic Party"

Seoul, May 5

The Democratic Party (DP) on Monday called on the Seoul High Court to push back the remanded trial of its presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung until after the June 3 election, vowing to use all of its powers to prevent what it called "the judiciary's coup."

The DP's call came as it has been mulling whether to seek the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, after the top court overturned the high court's acquittal of an election law violation case involving Lee on Thursday, sending it back for a remanded trial.

The first session of the trial is scheduled to take place May 15.

"If the high court does not decide to postpone the trial by May 12, (we) will prevent the judiciary's coup from taking place by using all the powers given by the people to the legislative branch," Rep. Yun Ho-jung, a senior official of the DP's election committee, said in a press conference.

May 12 is the date official campaigning starts for the June presidential election

"(We) clearly express our intent to block the high court's trial proceedings," he said, adding that the legislative branch would "make punishments" on behalf of the people if such efforts are hindered.

Yun's remarks suggest that the DP could seek impeaching Chief Justice Cho, Yonhap news agency reported. On Sunday, the DP decided to put off a decision on whether to seek Cho's impeachment after an emergency meeting of its lawmakers.

The DP's call comes as Lee could lose his eligibility to run for office for five years if he receives a finalized sentence of a fine of 1 million won (US$717) or more for violating the election law.

Lee's presidential bid could be jeopardized if the final sentence is confirmed before the June 3 election day.

When asked about the DP's call to push back the trial, Lee told reporters that election campaigns must be ensured in a "fair" way, citing the Constitution.

He also said he would "respect" whatever decision his party makes when asked about the DP's consideration to impeach a Supreme Court justice.

"I believe the party will take the necessary measures in line with the perspective of the people to overcome this insurrection," he said. "I will respect the party's decision on the party's duties."

DP Rep. Park Sung-joon clarified in a radio interview Monday that the party has decided to leave all decisions up to its leadership, rather than putting them on hold.

"There were opinions on considering even impeachment while leaving all possibilities open if the Supreme Court and the high court continues on with unconstitutional and illegal behavior."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the South Korean political situation:
P
Priya K.
Interesting to see political-judiciary tensions in South Korea. In India we've seen similar situations where parties try to delay court cases during elections. Judiciary must remain independent - that's crucial for any democracy. Hope they find a balanced solution.
R
Rahul S.
Threatening to impeach judges just because they're doing their duty? This sounds like political pressure of worst kind! In India we've seen what happens when politicians try to control judiciary - it never ends well for democracy. 🇮🇳
A
Ananya M.
As an admirer of South Korea's development, this is disappointing. Their democracy is young but strong - hope they don't go down the path of political interference we've seen in some other Asian countries. The world is watching! ✊
V
Vikram J.
$717 fine disqualifies a candidate? That's peanuts compared to Indian standards! Here politicians have serious cases worth crores and still contest elections. Maybe we need stricter rules like South Korea has. Food for thought!
S
Sunita R.
The timing does seem suspicious. Why reopen the case just before elections? Reminds me of how opposition leaders in India sometimes face cases at convenient times. Maybe both countries need to reform their judicial processes to prevent such controversies.
K
Karan P.
While I don't support political interference in judiciary, calling this a "judiciary coup" seems too dramatic. In India we've seen real political crises - this looks more like standard political maneuvering. Hope South Korea handles it with more maturity than we sometimes do!

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