Minseok Kim “If you cross the line, you have to take responsibility”... Impeachment offensive on the possibility of Han Deok-soo's release

The Democratic Party of Korea increased the level of pressure on the judiciary by even hinting at the possibility of impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on the 13th ahead of the expiration of the detention period (20th) for former Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, who is suspected of engaging in important civil war missions.

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "The release of Han Deok-soo is a national taboo symbolizing the revival of civil war," and "I warn Cho Hee-dae (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) of the judiciary that there is a line that should not be crossed."

He continued, “If you cross the taboo line, you will have to take responsibility for all subsequent situations.”

Supreme Council member Seo Mi-hwa also pointed out, "Candidate Lee Jae-myung's Public Official Election Act case, ahead of the presidential election, was remanded on the grounds of guilt after 9 days, and Han Deok-soo's second hearing was held only the day before the expiration of the detention period." He added, "The plan is to proceed with the appeal with Han Deok-soo released."

He said, "Cho Hee-dae's judiciary, which has already crossed the red line with all kinds of political intervention, should not test the people's patience any longer."

Supreme Council member Jeon Yong-ki raised his voice at the meeting, saying, "The impeachment puzzle is not being put together by the Democratic Party, but Chief Justice Cho himself." He added, "The moment Han Deok-soo walks out of the detention center, the person who completes the impeachment puzzle will be Chief Justice Cho."

The Democratic Party initially tried to begin the process of requesting a National Assembly investigation into Chief Justice Cho early this month, but it was delayed due to internal calls for caution and direct impeachment.

It was observed that this was influenced by the fact that the government investigation or impeachment of Chief Justice Cho, who is retiring in June next year, is less effective considering the remaining term of office, while there is still a possibility of backlash from public opinion.

However, within the party, voices are growing louder once again saying that Chief Justice Cho cannot be seen any longer.

In particular, former Representative Chung Cheong-rae and the pro-Cheong-rae faction, which are at odds with Representative Kim, are putting intense pressure on him.

Regarding the issue of impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae at a press conference at the National Assembly on this day, Lee Seong-yoon, a top member of the pro-Blue faction, said, "The Democratic Party has remained silent in response to the strong impeachment demands from supporters and party members." He added, "One day, Representative Kim mentioned the 'L' character (of impeachment) and looked like he was going to impeach, but then he suddenly brought out a card for a government investigation, and people were wondering if he was going to conduct that investigation as well. How on earth will the Democratic Party handle it if Han Deok-soo is released? “Is it like this?” he said.

The Democratic Party plans to decide its response to Chief Justice Cho depending on whether former Prime Minister Han is released.

Park Seong-jun, the party's chief spokesperson, met with reporters after the Supreme Committee meeting and said, "It seems like it is a fait accompli that Han Deok-soo will be released on the 20th," and "We cannot help but hold Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae responsible."

Senior Spokesperson Park added, “We can only see that time was intentionally delayed to release Han Deok-soo,” adding, “The leadership is preparing the level of response and detailed plans for Daebeop’s unreasonable behavior.”