논평 · 브리핑

Defending Judicial Integrity Against Democratic Party's Misleading Statement

On May 5, the Democratic Party released a statement titled “Statement on Procedural Integrity and Democratic Standards”, in which it paradoxically claims to respect judicial independence while simultaneously casting doubt on the procedural legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s May 1 ruling. The statement calls into question the timing and handling of the decision, urging both domestic and international observers to view the case through the lens of procedural fairness and democratic values.

However, the very foundation of the Democratic Party’s criticism—namely, the timing of the ruling—directly contradicts both domestic legal principles and their own prior position. Article 27(3) of the Korean Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial, recognizing that timely justice serves not only the interests of the defendant but also the pursuit of truth and the broader public good. Indeed, up until the verdict, the Democratic Party raised no objections regarding the trial schedule or procedures. Even a senior party figure, former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, publicly stated that a swift decision signaled a likely acquittal, expressing confidence in the Court's impartiality.

Yet following a ruling that did not favor their candidate, the Democratic Party has resorted to baseless accusations—calling the verdict a “judicial coup” and threatening to mobilize all available powers to obstruct the legal process unless the court delays the sentencing beyond May 12. These are not the actions of a party committed to the rule of law. They are threats against judicial authority and a dangerous flirtation with the collapse of constitutional order.

Proposals from within the party to impeach Supreme Court justices or to amend the Criminal Procedure Act in retaliation reflect a disturbing disregard for the separation of powers. These moves directly undermine the independence of the judiciary and, by extension, the foundations of democratic governance in Korea.

Equally troubling is the Democratic Party’s attempt to present a drastically different narrative to the international community—claiming respect for judicial independence while, in practice, engaging in acts that echo the manipulation of public messaging seen under past authoritarian regimes. Such duplicity insults the intelligence of foreign journalists and observers and ultimately damages both the credibility of the Democratic Party and the Republic of Korea.

If the Democratic Party truly respects democracy and the rule of law, it must abandon its attempts to politicize the judiciary and return to a position of constructive engagement—one that acknowledges the role of an independent court, even when its rulings are politically inconvenient. No candidate is above the law, and no party should be allowed to threaten constitutional order for electoral gain.

We call on the Democratic Party to cease its reckless rhetoric, respect the decisions of the judiciary, and restore the democratic values it claims to uphold.

2025. 5. 7.

Insung Chung

Spokesperson for Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform Party