Lee Jae-myung "If a Warrant is Requested, I Will Appear Personally"... Directly Facing Judicial Risks

Shift in Tone from 'Silent Response'
Lee Jae-myung, Moon Jae-in, and Democratic Party Prepare to Counter Attacks
Concerns Raised Over Premature Calls for Yoon's Resignation

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is talking with Jeong Cheong-rae, Supreme Council member, at the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 27th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, reportedly stated that he would "appear in person if the prosecution requests an arrest warrant." Not only Lee but also preparations to respond early to investigations that may target former President Moon Jae-in are underway. As the prosecution launched an offensive investigation against Lee Jae-myung and the Moon Jae-in administration, interpretations suggest that Lee and the Democratic Party have shifted to a stance of directly confronting the 'judicial risk.'

According to a key Democratic Party official on the 28th, Lee recently expressed this intention to those around him. The official explained that Lee intends to confront head-on amid increasing prosecution pressure over allegations such as Kim Yong, deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, receiving illegal election funds and the Daejang-dong scandal.

Since the prosecution's search and seizure of the Democratic Party headquarters, Lee has been making statements countering the current government and the prosecution. A representative example is his recent emergency press conference at the National Assembly, where he responded to the allegations against Deputy Director Kim by saying, "I did not receive a single penny of personal gain." This marks a complete turnaround from his previous silence on judicial risks since assuming the party leadership.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, during an on-site Supreme Council meeting held at the scene of the fire at Maechun Market in Daegu, a stronghold of the opposition, Lee urged the government, saying, "Instead of wasting national capabilities on political strife, political retaliation, and oppression of the opposition, a bipartisan decision is needed to overcome the national crisis." He added, "It is time to concentrate national capabilities on overcoming the crisis." He characterized the prosecution's investigation against him as political strife that does not help the people's livelihood.

The party leadership is also raising the level of response. A senior party official said, "We expected the political situation to worsen in October, but the prosecution is moving faster than anticipated," adding, "Going forward, the prosecution will advance in three parts: Lee Jae-myung, former President Moon Jae-in, and Democratic Party lawmakers."

The party is planning an organized and strategic response in preparation for an intensified prosecution offensive. Two days after the prosecution's search and seizure, on the 26th, about 169 Democratic Party lawmakers and members held a 'Rally Condemning the Destruction of Livelihoods and Prosecution Dictatorship' on the main stairs of the National Assembly, declaring a struggle against the government. At this event, Lee criticized the current administration and even mentioned the 'candlelight' movement.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

There is also talk that the Democratic Party may engage in protests outside the legislature. Some lawmakers, including Ahn Min-seok, Hwang Un-ha, and Yang Yi-won-young, have already participated in 'President Yoon Seok-youl Resignation Rallies' held in various regions since August. Even among hardline lawmakers within the party, voices openly calling for President Yoon's resignation have emerged. The party leadership is reportedly planning nationwide condemnation rallies, including near Jongno in Seoul.

At the same time, the Democratic Party has taken a protective stance toward former President Moon and officials from the previous administration. At a press conference attended by former Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min, former National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won, and former Presidential Security Office Chief Suh Hoon, Lee and floor leader Park Hong-geun also participated to show support. On the same day, an amendment to the Board of Audit and Inspection Act, which is expected to be approved by party resolution, included provisions to prevent audits targeting former President Moon and other civilians.

The prevailing consensus inside and outside the party is that responding to the full-scale prosecution offensive will inevitably lead to a 'strong against strong' stance. However, some voices question whether mentioning resignation within just over seven months since the administration's launch is a premature response. Former Director Park expressed concerns on KBS Radio on the 24th, saying, "Even if such talk (of resignation) arises in the public square, if the responsible Democratic Party voices it too quickly, it may backfire."

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