Yoon's Suspension Order Granted, Opposition Lawmakers Say "President Moon Should Apologize and Choo Should Retire from Politics"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Following the court's approval of the suspension of the disciplinary action against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol the previous day, members of the People Power Party raised their voices, saying, "Now the president must apologize to the people."

Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party, said on Facebook on the 24th, "It has been confirmed twice that the regime's obstruction of investigations and taming of the prosecution over the past few months were wrong," adding, "Now the president must apologize to the people."

Kim Eun-hye, also from the same party, said, "We welcome the ruling that restored the rule of law to the country," and added, "Despite harsh trials, the judiciary of the Republic of Korea ultimately upheld the constitutional order."

She said, "It is sad that such a natural outcome is so welcome, but for the restoration of democracy where we can breathe again, I will take another step forward with the people," and added, "The responsibility for plunging the country into chaos and lawlessness now lies with President Moon and Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae."

Former People Power Party member Oh Shin-hwan also raised his voice, saying, "The judiciary has once again put a brake on the unjust and shameless destruction of the rule of law carried out by the Moon Jae-in administration," and added, "President Moon Jae-in and the Democratic Party must prostrate themselves before the people, and Minister Chu should immediately leave politics."

He said, "Jung Kyung-shim, who was protected by the Moon Jae-in administration even to the point of extreme national division, was also sentenced to four years in prison. The court's ruling proves that the prosecution's investigation into the Cho Kuk family was legitimate," and added, "The prosecution must also uncover the substantive truth behind major cases related to the Moon Jae-in administration, such as the Ulsan mayor's directive investigation case, Lime and Optimus cases, the Wolsong nuclear power plant case, and the cover-up of the special assault involving Lee Yong-gu."

Kim Ki-hyun said, "I demand a prompt public apology from President Moon, who has effectively been impeached, and the immediate dismissal of Minister Chu," and argued, "The ability to apologize when it is time to apologize is the virtue of the bravest person."

He said, "President Moon, who is already receiving public criticism for economic collapse and inadequate COVID-19 response, will be caught in an uncontrollable hurricane of disobedience if he does not apologize to the people or immediately accept Minister Chu's resignation," adding, "Voices expressing concern about his post-presidency are emerging here and there, but the only solution is for him to abandon arrogance, pride, and hypocrisy now and switch to a grand reconciliation policy to regain the image of a proper national leader."

Park Soo-young said, "The rule of law in the dying Republic of Korea has been revived," emphasizing, "The separation of powers and the rule of law is when the court can say that the president's wrong decision is wrong. The court, the last bastion, has shown that the separation of powers and the rule of law are alive in the Republic of Korea."

He said, "Feeling insecure himself, the president even called the Chief Justice to the Blue House under the name of a meeting with the five key figures, asking for 'special attention and cooperation,' but the court sternly reprimanded such a president," and added, "Now the lame duck period will accelerate, and Prosecutor General Yoon's blade will rapidly target the Blue House."

Park predicted, "In response, President Moon will swiftly launch the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to forcibly transfer cases pointing to the Blue House, such as the Ulsan mayoral election, early nuclear power plant shutdown, and Lime and Optimus cases, and will try to indict Prosecutor General Yoon as the first case," but emphasized, "However, the tide has now turned."

Ha Tae-kyung also said, "It was natural for the court to decide to suspend the disciplinary action against Prosecutor General Yoon," raising his voice, saying, "It was originally a reckless move by President Moon and Minister Chu to block investigations into power."

Ha said, "The Republic of Korea was not so easy. The court protected the Republic of Korea from forces denying the rule of law," and emphasized, "The president stood against the rule of law and sided with injustice. The president must prostrate himself before the people."

Jeon Ju-hye also said, "Minister Chu's attempt to oust Prosecutor General Yoon has failed," and raised her voice, saying, "Since the goal was not genuine prosecution reform but 'neutralizing investigations into the regime,' this disciplinary action had to be excessive, and Minister Chu must naturally take corresponding responsibility."

She said, "Since the president approved the disciplinary action, political damage will also follow the president, so there must have been deliberation in judging the 'necessity of suspension,'" and added, "I applaud the court's decision that upheld the law and principles and the courage shown."

Jang Je-won said, "This is a triumph of freedom and democracy in the Republic of Korea," emphasizing, "The court's resolute ruling against the ruthless ruling power has breathed new life into the dying rule of law in the Republic of Korea."

He said, "It is a direct warning from the judiciary to President Moon Jae-in, who is undermining the rule of law," and added, "I am very curious about what President Moon, who praised Minister Chu for 'faithfully fulfilling the mission entrusted by the times' after she boldly visited the Blue House to oust Prosecutor General Yoon, will say."

Kim Geun-sik, professor at Gyeongnam National University and chairman of the People’s Party Songpa district, said, "The news of Jung Kyung-shim's court imprisonment followed by Yoon Seok-yeol's return to work is a refreshing Christmas gift delivered on Christmas Eve," and said, "'This confirms Chu Mi-ae's complete defeat.'"

He said, "Despite forcing disciplinary action while ignoring procedures with unreasonable reasons, Prosecutor General Yoon will complete his term after returning, and Minister Chu will have to pack up and leave," adding, "Minister Chu will wither away like a fallen leaf swept away by the wave of public opinion."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.