Lee Jae-myung: "Violence by Yoon Supporters Destroys Judicial System... Unacceptable Act"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the collective violence incident carried out by supporters of President Yoon Seok-yeol at the Seoul Western District Court on the 19th, calling it "an absolutely unacceptable act that destroys the judicial system."

On the morning of the 19th, Lee held a press conference after a closed-door Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly and expressed this position.

He said, "There are three major duties the state must perform. The first is ensuring safety that protects the entire national community. The second important duty is maintaining rational order within the national community," adding, "The third is creating a world where members of the community live well together."

He continued, "The riot that occurred early this morning is an act that destroys the judicial system that maintains the order of the national community and undermines the fundamental order of a democratic republic," emphasizing again, "It is an act that cannot be tolerated for any reason."

Lee said, "However, fellow citizens, I believe the chaos we are experiencing is the pain of a new beginning," and added, "We will surely overcome this current turmoil with the strength of our great people, and as a result, we will steadily move toward a hopeful new world."

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He stated, "Our people have always overcome crises. The strength to overcome all difficulties has come from our people," and expressed his belief that "even this pain will be used as a driving force for new growth."

Cho Seung-rae, chief spokesperson, met with reporters immediately after the statement and said, "It is necessary to deeply consider why the riot and terrorism against the court occurred today. President Yoon and his side have continuously denied the Constitution and judicial system of the Republic of Korea," arguing that this was a cause of the incident.

He also pointed out regarding Choi Sang-mok, acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, "He failed to take a firm response to the Security Office that physically blocked the arrest warrant issued by the investigative agency and approved by the court," adding, "From that point, the seed of the (violent incident) was sown."

Earlier, around 3 a.m. on the same day, when news of the issuance of an arrest warrant for President Yoon was reported, some supporters of President Yoon collectively broke into the Western District Court and engaged in violent acts such as property damage.

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