Opposition: "President Lee Clings to Withdrawal of Indictment... The Day of Judgment Draws Closer"

"President Lee's Press Conference,
An Incomplete Performance"

President Lee Jaemyung's press conference held on the 18th drew a barrage of criticism from the broader opposition parties. Sharp remarks were made regarding the issues of a possible second term, dismissal of indictments, and the appointment of Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seungwon, among others.

Donghyuk Jang, leader of the People Power Party

Donghyuk Jang, leader of the People Power Party, commented on his social media regarding President Lee's press conference held earlier that morning, stating, "The press conference confirmed that there is nothing more to expect from President Lee," and added, "The day of judgment by the people has only drawn nearer."

Jang said, "President Lee stated he has no intention of seeking a second term," adding, "Is it really so difficult to make a clear declaration not to seek reelection?" He went on to say, "President Lee said he would pursue a so-called special counsel investigation into prosecutorial manipulation, except for the dismissal of indictments," and pointed out, "He continues to claim he is a victim of politically motivated investigations."

Jang also noted, "President Lee said he has not made a final decision regarding Kim Seungwon," and criticized, "Ultimately, this shows he cannot let go of his lingering attachment to the possibility of dismissal of indictments." Jang additionally criticized President Lee’s comments on real estate policy and single-asset leveraged Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).

The voices of criticism continued from the People Power Party. Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon remarked, "He says he will stand trial for the pending cases, but carefully avoids the one thing that truly needs to be said," and questioned, "Is this a public declaration that he actually will not stand trial?" Assemblyman Yoon Sanghyun commented, "On personnel, justice, diplomacy, security, and real estate—what the people demand is not rhetorical skills, but responsibility." Assemblyman Lee Sungkwon added, "Today’s press conference has made it even harder for the public to support the Lee Jaemyung administration."

Independently, Assemblyman Han Donghun also commented on his social media regarding the nomination of Kim Seungwon, stating, "Even when reporters persistently pressed him at the press conference, he kept dodging the question and refused to say that he would not go forward with the nomination. In the current context, dodging the question effectively means he will proceed."

Han further said, "Despite everything, because he feels wronged, he will do everything possible to have his own indictment dismissed," and added, "He is asking for a special counsel law to create an investigation favorable to dismissing his own case, but insists on excluding the clause that allows the special counsel to directly dismiss the indictment," concluding, "It means he is determined to have his indictment dismissed, but is merely searching for a way to face less criticism."

Gi-in Lee, interim leader of the Reform New Party, also criticized the press conference on his social media, saying, "I just witnessed yet another inadequate performance," and lamented, "He paints a picture of a country beyond his term, yet steadfastly refuses to promise facing trial beyond his own term, which is truly pitiful."

He added, "What the people expected was just one clear statement: 'There will be no dismissal of my indictment. I will stand trial in court the same as any other citizen.'"

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