The People Power Party noted that the retrial of President Lee Jae-myung's public election law case has been postponed, stating that "the foundation of the Constitution and rule of law is being shaken," and they will "mobilize all means to fight back."
The People Power Party, which has been experiencing severe internal strife since its presidential election defeat, appears to be trying to regroup by highlighting the president's legal risks and intensifying its struggle against lending.
Chairperson Kim Yong-tae criticized during a speech at a general meeting of lawmakers held at the National Assembly in the afternoon, saying it is a "serious reality that the foundation of the Constitution and rule of law is being shaken" due to the Seoul High Court's postponement of President Lee's election law retrial schedule.
He raised his voice regarding the court's explanation for postponing the trial schedule as a "measure under Article 84 of the Constitution," arguing, "Does crime disappear when one becomes president? Article 84 is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. That provision is merely a minimal safeguard for the president's execution of duties, and it does not mean to suspend ongoing criminal cases that have already been indicted. Furthermore, it is not a tool to cover up sins. No power can stand above the Constitution, and the president is no exception."
He added that, "Since there are conflicting interpretations regarding Article 84 of the Constitution, it is necessary to seek the final conclusion from the Supreme Court, which is the highest court."
The chairperson further stated, "What is more serious is the attitude of the Democratic Party," indicating that they want to push for revisions to the Criminal Procedure Act, stating, "It would be problematic to leave it to the individual judges. They intend to completely bar trials just because they became president. At this point, it seems they view the judiciary not as an independent institution granted by the Constitution but as a subordinate organ of political power."
He questioned, "President Lee Jae-myung received a guilty ruling from the Supreme Court for deceiving voters. If the case is not tried just because he became president, is it truly in line with judicial justice?"
He then stated, "We will respond through legislative and political measures to uphold the constitutional order," signaling a tough mode for the struggle against lending.
Kweon Seong-dong, the floor leader who expressed his resignation, emphasized, "The People Power Party will mobilize all means to correct the unjust interpretation of Article 84 of the Constitution by the Seoul High Court until the moment the Lee Jae-myung administration ends."
The floor leader added, "I hope the Seoul High Court will immediately withdraw its arbitrary interpretation of Article 84 of the Constitution," and urged prosecutors to "request the Supreme Court to interpret Article 84 of the Constitution through an appeal."
He criticized, saying, "It is truly regrettable to see the Lee Jae-myung administration exhausting its power during the golden honeymoon period to resolve its legal risks. If President Lee has done nothing wrong, I hope he will face the trial with confidence. Participating in the trial is the way to protect democracy and uphold the authority of the presidency."
Earlier that day, the Seoul High Court's 7th Criminal Division, which is handling President Lee's public election law case, stated that it has changed the trial date originally scheduled for the 18th and designated a new date later. A court official explained this decision as a "measure under Article 84 of the Constitution." There are differing interpretations in the legal community regarding the clause in Article 84 that states, "The president shall not be prosecuted while in office." The Seoul High Court believes that ongoing trials are also included in the non-prosecution privilege. Consequently, speculation has arisen that the trial has been effectively postponed indefinitely.