Political Showdown: Will the Opposition’s Call for Cancellation of Charges Against President Lee Gain Traction?

The trial of President Lee Jae-myung has sparked a political firestorm, with ruling and opposition parties taking opposing stances.

The Democratic Party is pushing for the dismissal of charges and a congressional investigation, while the People Power Party is urging for a swift resumption of the suspended trial.

According to political sources on February 10, the Democratic Party plans to demand the dismissal of charges related to President Lee’s trial and pursue a congressional investigation into alleged prosecutorial power abuse.

To achieve this, some lawmakers are preparing to launch a “Legislative Group for the Dismissal of Charges and Congressional Investigation Regarding the President’s Case.”

This initiative, proposed by Lee Geon-tae, a former defense attorney in the Daejang-dong case, has reportedly gained support from over 70 Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Park Sung-jun will serve as the permanent representative, with Reps. Kim Seung-won and Yoon Geon-young as co-representatives. Lee will act as secretary, handling administrative duties.

The roster includes presidential special advisor Cho Jung-sik, former floor leaders Park Hong-geun and Park Chan-dae, as well as senior party members Lee Un-joo, Hwang Myeong-seon, and Kang Deuk-gu, who have opposed merging with the Justice Party.

The group plans to hold a press conference on February 12 at the National Assembly to announce its formation and aims to initiate a congressional investigation in the first half of the year.

The People Power Party has swiftly countered this move, demanding the immediate resumption of the trial.

Starting today, the party has launched a series of press conferences calling for President Lee’s trial to resume.

Rep. Kang Myung-goo, the first speaker, held a press conference at the National Assembly. He criticized Democratic lawmakers for claiming the prosecution was manipulated and demanding the dismissal of charges against President Lee, following the prosecution’s decision not to appeal the first trial verdict in the Wirye New Town development favoritism case. Kang argued, “They’re undermining the judicial system to protect one individual.”

Kang insisted that the trial concerning five charges against President Lee must resume immediately. He added that the People Power Party will continue holding press conferences while also organizing one-person pickets and signature campaigns in local communities.

The People Power Party intends to ramp up its public relations efforts to counter the Democratic Party’s push for charge dismissals and a congressional investigation.

Rep. Kim Jae-seop from the Legislation and Judiciary Committee is scheduled to lead the next press conference.