Democratic Party: "Lee Junseok Uses AI to Spread Fake News About President Lee... Serious Criminal Act"

Democratic Party Spokesperson Kim Jiho's Briefing

The Democratic Party has raised its voice in criticism against Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, who posted an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated composite photo of President Lee Jaemyung and criticized the government and the ruling party.

Yonhap News

On the 16th, at a briefing held at the National Assembly's Communication Center in Yeouido, Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Jiho stated, "We condemn Representative Lee, who repeatedly spreads advanced AI-based false information," adding, "Once again, Representative Lee is distorting the facts and attacking the Lee Jaemyung administration."

Earlier that morning, Lee had posted on Facebook, "The government and the ruling party are talking about impeachment just because Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Heedae delivered an unfavorable ruling," and further criticized, "Even more absurd is the so-called 'Special Tribunal for Insurrection Cases,' which is nothing more than a political court." Lee also uploaded an AI-generated composite photo of President Lee sitting in a judge's seat in a law court.

Spokesperson Kim said, "He (Lee Junseok) is invoking the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho and claiming as if President Lee is trying to undermine the separation of powers," and stressed, "However, this is far from the truth."

He continued, "The Lee Jaemyung administration has made it clear that it has no position and has never discussed the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho," adding, "The Democratic Party has raised issues regarding Chief Justice Cho's recent rulings through figures such as Representative Jung Cheongrae and Judiciary Committee Chairperson Choo Mi-ae."

Kim further pointed out, "The extreme and false frame that Representative Lee claims, such as 'dreaming of a President-cum-Chief Justice system,' is nothing but a baseless fabrication," and emphasized, "Fabricating non-existent facts to attack the government is a dangerous political act that deceives the public."

Lee Junseok Reform New Party Leader Facebook Capture

He also said, "Just 100 days ago, during the nationally televised presidential debate, Representative Lee caused public outrage with his sadistic and sexually disparaging remarks," adding, "Rather than reflecting or showing remorse, he is now going so far as to use artificial intelligence to demean President Lee and spread fake news-like claims." He continued, "Distorting the public's perception with falsehoods and distortions is a serious criminal act that undermines the fundamental order of democracy."

He went on to say, "Just as People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk satirized himself by saying he would become human by eating garlic and mugwort, Representative Lee should first learn from Representative Jang how to reflect and practice self-restraint."

In conclusion, spokesperson Kim stated, "What truly threatens the separation of powers now are Representative Lee Junseok and certain People Power Party politicians who repeatedly engage in false agitation while ignoring the facts," and added, "The Democratic Party will continue to fight against politics based on fabricated and manipulated information, and will stand before the public with truth and responsible politics."