Lee Simmun Sim? ..."Democracy" Shouted by Opposition, 'Reorganizing Ranks' Under Yoon's Investigation Blade

Lee Jae-myung "Prosecutorial regime destroys democracy"
Moon Jae-in "Democracy must not regress"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] 'Democracy'

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and former President Moon Jae-in both mentioned this word during their first meeting of the year 2023. Why democracy, of all things? As the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's crackdown on the opposition is expected to intensify this year amid allegations of preferential treatment in the Daejang-dong project and the shooting incident of public officials in the West Sea, the two figures have united in criticizing 'opposition suppression' and 'political prosecution' in unison.

"The prosecution regime that is eradicating democracy shows no sign of stopping its rampage of destroying the opposition and political retaliation. (Omitted) We will raise the shield to protect the people's livelihood and democracy and wield the sword of reform to defend the people and the Republic of Korea."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In the new year of the Year of the Black Rabbit, Lee's New Year's address began with the collapse of 'democracy' and ended with a resolve to rebuild it. From the beginning of January, the 'judicial political situation' that will noisily target him is interpreted as a political investigation designed to divert attention by the Yoon government, which is facing economic and security crises and trying to cover up its incompetence.

This year, Lee faces a series of prosecutorial investigations starting with the Seongnam FC sponsorship fund allegations, followed by the Daejang-dong project preferential treatment allegations and the Ssangbangwool lawyer payment allegations. He is scheduled to appear before prosecutors regarding the Seongnam FC sponsorship fund from January 10 to 12. The Democratic Party has defined this as oppression against the 'leader of the main opposition party' and is emphasizing party unity. On January 1, Park Hong-geun, the floor leader, said at the Democratic Party's New Year's gathering, "I hope this year will be one where we unite tightly around Leader Lee Jae-myung and create a victorious history." At that time, he mentioned three crises facing the Republic of Korea, placing 'the crisis of democracy' as the foremost.

On January 2, former President Moon Jae-in, who exchanged New Year's greetings with Lee in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, also pointed out the 'retreat of democracy.' After the visit, Democratic Party senior spokesperson Ahn Ho-young told reporters, "(Former President Moon) emphasized that the democracy that was hard-won must never retreat." He added, "He also said that although the livelihood economy is difficult, he hopes the Democratic Party, centered on Leader Lee, will do its best to solve the livelihood economy." This is interpreted as former President Moon lending support to Lee amid the full-scale prosecutorial investigations against him.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ultimately, if the prosecutorial investigations targeting Lee and former President Moon intensify, it is expected that the entire party will unite beyond factions, emphasizing the 'restoration of democracy'. Although voices criticizing the current leadership as 'Lee Jae-myung's personal guard' mainly from the non-mainstream faction have emerged, the simultaneous investigations into the previous administration, such as the trial of former Defense Minister Seo Wook and former National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won over the West Sea public official shooting incident, are adding weight to party 'unity.'

Moreover, as the People Power Party has begun a full-scale offensive, accusing the Moon Jae-in administration of "fabricating and covering up the defection to North Korea," if the prosecution's investigations into the opposition this year shake not only Lee personally but also the previous administration, the formation of a unified front beyond factions may accelerate. Lee himself held an impromptu press conference in Busan that day, saying, "I have already stated that I will confidently appear before the prosecution and cooperate with the investigation," but added, "The judgment may differ depending on whether it is an attack on me personally or on the party."

Right after the new year began, Lee has been actively visiting the graves of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun and meeting with Kwon Yang-sook. He has also met with Kim Kyung-soo, a leading pro-Moon figure recently pardoned, exchanging well wishes, signaling efforts to strengthen unity within the opposition camp. At the 'Kim Dae-jung Foundation New Year's Ceremony' held at the Kim Dae-jung Library, he stated, "Politics has disappeared," and said, "Only violent domination prevails, but within that, we will restore politics and thoroughly prepare for a new year to properly fulfill the role of the Democratic Party," revealing his special resolve for the judicial political situation this year.

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