The Democratic Party of Korea criticized the Supreme Court for its rush judgment related to the Public Official Election Act case of presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, saying, "The Supreme Court conducted a hasty trial." Since he has already been selected as the Democratic Party's candidate in the primary, the party emphasized that they would conduct the election without resigning or replacing the candidate.

Democratic Party of Korea candidate for president Lee Jae-myung answers a reporter's question regarding the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the second trial verdict related to violations of the Public Official Election Act after finishing the Minseong Series 2 at a restaurant on Samil Daero in Jongno-gu, Seoul on May 1, Labor Day./Courtesy of News1

Jo Seung-rae, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication hall on the 1st, stating, "The Supreme Court's ruling on candidate Lee Jae-myung is clearly a political trial and a rush judgment," adding, "The Supreme Court intervened unfairly in the presidential election by conducting a hasty trial."

He added, "The rebellion is not over. Is the Supreme Court, which remained silent during the 12-3 rebellion, trying to hinder the presidential election where the people determine the future of South Korea?" and emphasized, "Now is not the court's time but the people's time."

The Democratic Party believes that the trial will not conclude before the voting day of the 21st presidential election, which is on the 3rd of next month. Park Kyun-taek, a lawmaker who is a former chair of the party's legal committee, stated, "It is impossible for a ruling to come out before the 3rd of next month," adding, "No matter how much the Supreme Court struggles, the authority to elect a president will ultimately be exercised by the people."

It also clarified that there would be no resignation of this candidate. The chief spokesperson noted, "This candidate is the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, elected through the participation of over 60% of party members and a primary election with 1 million citizens," adding, "Even if there are judicial attempts against this candidate, it will never be shaken."

If this candidate is elected president, there is a great possibility that the trial procedures will be halted. Park stated, "For a person who has presidential status, prosecution is suspended. Prosecution includes not only indictment but also trial procedures," adding, "If there is an attempt to deny even the mainstream view in constitutional law and try something absurd, we will stop it."