"Even the King Must Stand Trial"... Park Hyungjun Busan Mayoral Campaign Criticizes 'Special Prosecutor Law for Withdrawal of Indictments'

Debate Intensifies Over 'Self-Granted Exoneration' Ahead of Election

"Your Majesty, you are required to stand trial, aren't you?"

As the June 3 local elections approach, a fierce political controversy is erupting over the Democratic Party's push for a special prosecutor law that would allow for the withdrawal of indictments.

On May 4, the campaign for Park Hyungjun, the candidate for Busan mayor from the People Power Party, issued a statement strongly criticizing the bill, saying, "It is a system where a special prosecutor appointed by the President can dismiss cases involving the President," and called it "a self-granted exoneration and self-pardon."

The statement argued that the bill targets cases including the eight trials related to President Lee Jaemyung, and pointed out, "The legal community and prosecutors are concerned about the potential infringement on the independence of the judiciary."

It also claimed, "The Democratic Party has declared its intention to pass the bill within this month," and accused the party of "forcibly pushing it through ahead of the election." Regarding the President's lack of response, the campaign remarked, "Not expressing a clear position is effectively being read as consent."

The statement further raised the possibility that the push for a special prosecutor may be unconstitutional. Citing the perspective of the legal community, it noted, "If the withdrawal of indictments becomes a reality, it could spark controversy over legal responsibility."

Park's campaign emphasized, "The constitutional principle of equality before the law could be undermined," and stressed, "Those in power cannot be exceptions." It called on voters to participate in the elections, stating, "This is an issue for the people to judge through voting."

Park Hyungjun, declaring candidacy for the Busan mayoral primary election.
[Image source=Park Hyungjun Busan Mayor Campaign]

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