[So Jongseop's Sokterview] Lee Nak-yeon "President Yoon Should Be Impeached, Expecting Judges' Decision"

"I Will Continue Efforts to Clear Yoon Seok-youl and Lee Jae-myung Politics"
"Even If Elected President, Ongoing Trials Must Proceed Under the Constitution"
"Bill to Extend Justices' Terms Is Unconstitutional and Absurd"

One of the words symbolizing former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon was 'Makgeolli.' During his tenure as Prime Minister, it was not unusual for those who visited the official residence to be served Makgeolli alongside lunch or dinner. However, Lee has now quit drinking Makgeolli. While health concerns played a part, the turbulent political situation likely contributed as well. On the afternoon of the 28th at 3 p.m., I sat down with him. His sky-blue necktie felt refreshing. He said he started studying North Korea and Chinese since last fall and laughed, saying, "It's not easy." The interview with former Prime Minister Lee, which aired on the Asia Economy YouTube channel 'AK Radio,' lasted for an hour. His answers were concise and clear.

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon is being interviewed at Asia Economy in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, Seoul on March 28. Photo by Heo Young-han

You have taken on a new challenge at a late age. What prompted you to start studying?

There is no doubt that North Korea is the most important external factor for us. Until now, I only knew bits and pieces, so I felt the need to systematize that knowledge a bit. I thought I should study it properly once. As for Chinese, I can read English and Japanese newspapers, but not Chinese newspapers, which I found quite regrettable. I started with the ambition to at least be able to read newspapers, but it’s not easy.

The wildfires, especially in the Yeongnam region, caused significant damage.

Climate factors play a very big role. For example, if the wind blows too strongly, wildfires spread quickly and helicopters cannot take off. This causes double suffering. In the case of the Gangwon Province wildfire, the wind calmed down about three days after the fire spread, making it easier to extinguish. During the Moon Jae-in administration, firefighting personnel were made national employees, bringing fire stations under central government control. Therefore, all fire trucks nationwide could be mobilized.

The memo you wrote in your notebook at the time was made public, leading many citizens to reevaluate former Prime Minister Lee.

The fire started on the night of April 4, 2019. That night, there was nothing we could do, but on the morning of April 5, we held a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting, issued several instructions, and immediately went to the site in Gangwon Province. I needed to grasp the situation fully and give comprehensive instructions, but the reports sent to me from various parts were not well integrated. So I reviewed them and wrote a memo by hand to summarize. While extinguishing the fire is important, the subsequent response is also crucial. How to restore houses, how to support livelihoods, how to handle children's education ? all ministries must get involved. (Regarding the Yeongnam wildfire) Since Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has resumed his duties, I believe he will respond well.

What is truly admirable about our people is that when such misfortunes occur, many step forward to help each other. The spirit of self-help is very strong. Later, after the fact, it is good to commend those who worked hard and for someone to remember and express gratitude. More people help than we imagine.

The Confusing Lee Jae-myung Election Law Trial, Supreme Court Must Quickly Resolve

Let's move on to political issues. On the 26th, the appellate court acquitted Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, of all charges related to false statements under the Public Official Election Act.

Citizens cannot help but doubt the judiciary. I will mention just two points. First, the first and second trials reached completely opposite judgments. No new evidence was presented, and the same evidence was considered, yet the first trial sentenced him to one year in prison with two years probation, while the second trial acquitted him entirely. It’s confusing whom to trust.

Second, the ruling diverged from the Supreme Court's judgment. To explain, regarding the four-level upgrade of Baekhyeon-dong's land use, the Supreme Court judged that lobbyist Kim In-seop received money and interests from the developer and influenced Seongnam City to change the land use. Kim was sentenced to 5 years in prison and fined 6.3 billion won. However, the appellate court ruled that Lee Jae-myung's statement that the four-level upgrade was due to threats from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport was not a false statement. This differs from the Supreme Court's judgment. Just these two points alone make it inevitable for the Supreme Court to intervene and clarify. The Supreme Court must now make a judgment.

On December 11 last year, the Supreme Court placed advertisements in several newspapers under the name of the Republic of Korea courts, promising "Immediately and Correctly," meaning prompt and accurate judgments. Now is the time to keep that promise to the public. The Supreme Court, as a court of law, does not need to verify facts further and can determine whether the law was applied correctly just by reviewing documents. It does not have to take much time. The leadership of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is needed now.

You have previously advocated for the simultaneous clearing of Yoon Seok-youl and Lee Jae-myung politics. Is that still valid?

Yes. At the center of the current confusion is the life-or-death fight between these two. Clearing their politics is the shortcut for Korea to escape chaos and move into a new era. This confusion symbolizes the catastrophic end of the 1987 system. The 1987 system is already a dead system. Continuing with a dead system cannot produce effective administration or politics. Therefore, it is necessary for the country to acknowledge that it is dead and to clear the politics of these two, who are making the final moments chaotic, to move toward a new system.

Former Prime Minister said, "Representative Lee Jae-myung's judicial risk is not over yet." Photo by Heo Young-han

Some say the appellate court's acquittal has largely resolved Lee's judicial risks. Do you agree?

Among the five trials, the Public Official Election Act trial was the clearest and, in terms of severity, the lightest. Just because the appellate court made a ruling on this one does not mean Lee or the Democratic Party's judicial risks are over. That is image manipulation, an optical illusion. Much heavier charges are still waiting for trial to begin.

You said if Lee becomes president, it would be a national risk.

Yes. Judicial risks are not just personal risks. If he runs for president, his judicial risks will become a major issue. If elected, those risks could become the country's biggest headache. For example, there will be huge controversy over whether ongoing trials will be suspended once he becomes president. If trials are suspended, it means he would be tried after leaving office, but if he self-pardons during his term or deletes crimes attributed to him from various laws, enormous problems will arise. There will be legitimacy disputes, and from the inauguration day, new chaos is likely. All these are national risks.

President Yoon Must Be Impeached, But It Seems Six Justices Agreeing Is Unlikely

Do you think it is better for the country if Lee does not run for president?

I hope he makes a big decision for the country, but it seems unlikely. If the Democratic Party changes its mind and presents alternatives, regime change will be more certain, and citizens will vote with more confidence. If things continue as they are, even if people vote, they may feel uneasy, or some may make different decisions or abstain from voting.

If Lee runs, how do you think legal issues like trials should be handled?

Constitutionally, ongoing trials must proceed. The claim that trials for events before the presidency would stop is based on Article 84 of the Constitution, which states that the president cannot be criminally prosecuted during the term except for crimes of rebellion or foreign invasion. Prosecution includes trials. But if prosecution includes trials, contradictions arise. Article 65 states that the National Assembly can impeach the president or prime minister if they violate the Constitution or laws, and the Constitutional Court judges the impeachment. If prosecution included trials, impeachment trials would be conducted by the National Assembly. However, the Constitution assigns the right to impeach to the National Assembly and the right to judge to the Constitutional Court. This means prosecution and trials are different and must be separated. Therefore, it is consistent with the Constitution to interpret that existing trials proceed even if one becomes president.

The impeachment ruling for President Yoon Seok-youl is delayed more than expected. What do you think is the reason?

First, the ruling must be in favor of impeachment. I agree that he should be removed. To impeach, six justices must agree, but that number has not been secured, so neither side can act decisively. A prompt ruling is necessary to end confusion early. However, it is hard to predict. There is talk of a 5-3 split, but sometimes deadlocks break beautifully, and sometimes dangerous breakthroughs occur. So there are many concerns.

The former Prime Minister said, "President Yoon must be dismissed," adding, "It seems that the number of judges in favor of dismissal is less than six." Photo by Heo Young-han

Democratic Party's Bill to Extend Justices' Terms Is Unconstitutional and Absurd

What do you mean by dangerous breakthroughs and tricks?

Many things can be imagined, but one has become a reality. The Democratic Party plans to propose a bill to extend the terms of two Constitutional Court justices whose terms expire on April 18 until successors are appointed. Since the Constitution fixes justices' terms at six years, this would be an unconstitutional law. They are doing absurd things these days, like censoring KakaoTalk or increasing penalties for assaulting lawmakers. It’s frightening.

What do you think about the appointment of candidate Ma Eun-hyuk and the impeachment issues regarding Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok?

It is painful that there was no clear political consensus on candidate Ma Eun-hyuk. Nevertheless, since the Constitutional Court ruled that his appointment is proper, the executive branch should follow that judgment. Politically, however, it could set a bad precedent. If one party or faction holds an overwhelming majority and unilaterally processes appointments in plenary sessions, appointments will continue. But raising impeachment again for Acting Prime Minister Han or Deputy Prime Minister Choi is inappropriate. Strictly interpreting the law, punishing the same reason twice is illegal. Impeachment is a kind of punishment, and the Democratic Party interprets it as such. So I don’t understand why they want to impeach again.

If an early presidential election becomes reality, do you plan to run?

I have received many benefits from the country and gained much experience in state affairs thanks to those benefits. Now it is time to repay the country. The country is in a difficult situation, so I am willing to do anything for it. That does not necessarily mean running. Running is not the only way to help the country. I will carefully consider what I can do that is most helpful to the country, including whether to run or not.

Do you think the so-called 'anti-Lee Jae-myung coalition' could materialize in an early presidential election?

If the election becomes real, whether we like it or not, the contest will likely be between Lee Jae-myung and others. In that case, an anti-Lee coalition might emerge. Many citizens sympathize with this, and if Lee leads, someone might call to unite to prevent that and avoid historical misfortune. However, I do not think that role suits me.

So you mean you do not intend to actively participate in that?

Yes. It does not seem like my role. But someone else might do it.

If someone raises a flag and asks for your help, what would you do?

It is strange to speculate, but I would serve the country in a way that suits me. I have long advocated for the simultaneous clearing of Yoon Seok-youl and Lee Jae-myung politics and said that if the Democratic Party presents alternatives, there could be cooperation. That has not changed. If the Democratic Party refuses, there is no choice. I will continue to strive for clearing Yoon-Lee politics until the last moment.

He, who has advocated for the simultaneous resignation of Yoon Seok-yeol and Lee Jae-myung, emphasized, "I will make efforts until the very end." Photo by Heo Young-han

Will Continue Efforts to Clear Yoon-Lee Politics Until the End

If an early presidential election happens, do you intend to play a role in any way?

I have two principles regarding what I will do in the future. One is to be helpful to the country, and the second is to be consistent with how Lee Nak-yeon has lived. I will decide based on these two principles.

What do you think about relocating the presidential office?

In the long term, moving to Sejong City is one option. However, during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, the Constitutional Court ruled on this issue. The so-called customary constitution theory emerged then. The capital of Korea is Seoul, and even if administrative functions move to Sejong, the Blue House should remain in Seoul, according to the Constitutional Court. If the presidential office wants to move to Sejong, this issue must be resolved first. Changing the Constitution seems difficult, and at best, the National Assembly might pass a special law, but it is uncertain whether such a law can overturn the Constitutional Court's opinion.

Do you think the next president must reside in Yongsan?

No. Since it should be in Seoul, it is fine to enter the Blue House. It does not matter.

Would security be a concern?

There are such concerns. Moreover, since it has already been opened up, unless it is extensively renovated, security has likely been compromised. It is a painful matter. Such a good facility was hastily moved to Yongsan due to an unreasonable decision.

Any message you want to give to the public at this point?

The issues with President Yoon Seok-youl are with the Constitutional Court, and those with Lee Jae-myung are with the courts. Both the Constitutional Court and the judiciary carry very high public expectations.

Please do not forget this and have the courage to follow the right path. Courage is needed to stay on the right path. The political world is so chaotic that even the Constitutional Court and courts are shaken to the point of difficulty. Still, overcoming this is what qualifies one to serve in the Constitutional Court and judiciary. Earlier, I mentioned concerns about dangerous tricks related to the Constitutional Court's judgment, but I also have some hope that a beautiful decision might break the current deadlock. The decisions of all eight justices are important, but the decisions of a few key justices will play a very important role in this situation. I hope for good outcomes.

※ Click the video to watch the full interview.

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