**Kim Yong-min, Senior Deputy Representative for Policy, Democratic Party**
– Yoon’s gestures to supporters are interpreted as an expression of resistance. Public anxiety is increasing.
– The consideration of Yoon’s release without detention: Was the possibility of Yoon’s release known from the start?
– Shim Woo-jung should resign immediately. Show accountability—it’s the last chance.
– Appoint a permanent special prosecutor nominee.
– Complete prosecution reforms, including separating investigation and indictment, and establishing an investigation agency.
– Does Yoon’s release affect the Constitutional Court? Legally unaffected. The Constitutional Court should make a swift decision.
– Appoint Ma Eun-hyeok promptly to prevent delays in the Constitutional Court procedures.
– Yoon’s impeachment being overturned 5:3? Highly unlikely and legally clear.
– Concerns over the deletion of the Bi-phone server; Kim Sung-hoon should be detained.
**Broadcast:** MBC Radio Standard FM 95.9MHz
**Host:** Current affairs commentator Kim Jong-bae
**Guest:** Kim Yong-min, Senior Deputy Representative for Policy, Democratic Party
**Host:** We’ve been hearing different perspectives on President Yoon’s release. In our third segment today, we’ll hear the Democratic Party’s stance. Let’s connect with Kim Yong-min, Senior Deputy Representative for Policy. Are you there?
**Kim Yong-min:** Yes, hello. This is Kim Yong-min.
**Host:** You must have seen President Yoon exiting the detention center, waving to supporters and raising his fist. What are your thoughts on that scene?
**Kim Yong-min:** Regardless of the legal evaluations, many citizens expected him to show sincerity and humility, especially since he has been at the center of chaos in the country. The fact that he continues to express a will to fight part or even a majority of the public is disappointing, and it increases public anxiety.
**Host:** Did you anticipate this outcome?
**Kim Yong-min:** While we considered the possibility, we thought it unlikely. The cancellation of detention requires no grounds for detention. Previously, Yoon’s detention was due to concerns of evidence tampering, which we believe still exist, especially given the ongoing discussions about the Bi-phone server deletion.
**Host:** You’re saying the judge’s decision to cancel the detention was unexpected.
**Kim Yong-min:** Yes, and there are controversies in the decision document, with experts pointing out inaccuracies in legal interpretation. Legal provisions are clear, yet creative interpretations seem beyond judicial authority.
**Host:** Why do you think the court made such a decision?
**Kim Yong-min:** Without assuming ulterior motives, the court might have intended to weigh previous arguments from rights groups about interpretations favorable to defendants. It appears they aimed for a higher court’s judgment to avoid complications should an error be found. By not immediately appealing, prosecutors effectively indicated that the release was consistent with expectations.
**Host:** What happened within the prosecution?
**Kim Yong-min:** Reports suggest the investigation team pushed hard for an appeal, but leadership, including the Prosecutor General, overruled. We suspect Shim Woo-jung, the General Prosecutor, knew about the potential controversy from the start due to previous debates and didn’t act promptly.
**Host:** Based on what?
**Kim Yong-min:** Debates around detention durations were well known, making it predictable that Yoon’s defense would raise the issue. Yet, despite this, the prosecution delayed indictment proceedings until it could cause controversy, seemingly indicating intent to facilitate Yoon’s release.
**Host:** Although the judicial decision was given, wouldn’t the prosecution have had a seven-day window to appeal, as before?
**Kim Yong-min:** Correct, but they didn’t convene another prosecutor meeting. The unwillingness to appeal suggests orchestrated efforts to release Yoon. Critically, prosecution actions point toward protecting internal interests tied to insurrection involvement.
**Host:** What about concerns over the possible deletion of evidence by Kim Sung-hoon?
**Kim Yong-min:** The ongoing reluctance to approve warrants reflects attempts within the prosecution to conceal broader implications of the insurrection, potentially exposing the prosecution to complicity claims.
**Host:** If indeed there’s intent to hinder proceedings, continuing to resist appeals or warrant actions might burden public trust and invite special investigator scrutiny.
**Kim Yong-min:** That’s precisely why we’ve called for a special prosecutor—to separate those potentially complicit in larger conspiracy claims.
**Host:** Aside from prosecutorial matters, are there plans for judicial reforms, including reorganizing the prosecution’s investigatory and indicting functions?
**Kim Yong-min:** Yes, there’s a proposed plan to separate these functions, establish a separate investigation agency for major crimes, and follow up on previous cross-party reforms agreed upon in 2022.
**Host:** Can President Yoon’s release influence the Constitutional Court’s impeachment decision?
**Kim Yong-min:** Legally, it shouldn’t. However, psychological impacts might exist, potentially encouraging delays. Nevertheless, we anticipate a swift court decision given the dire implications nationwide.
**Host:** With impeachment influences circulating, do you feel confident about a conclusive outcome?
**Kim Yong-min:** Yes, the legalities are well defined. The gravity of the insurrection accusations far surpasses previous presidential impeachments on corruption grounds.
**Host:** Assuming a straightforward outcome, would challenges around appointing Ma Eun-hyeok as a justice then remain peripheral?
**Kim Yong-min:** Appointing Ma Eun-hyeok would ensure procedural stability and reaffirm constitutional order, essential given the presidency’s ongoing disruptions.
**Host:** Following public sentiments and the Democratic Party’s reactions, are there plans for continued public demonstrations or actions?
**Kim Yong-min:** We’ll maintain activities, urging the court’s decision. Potentially organizing public assemblies and responding swiftly to changing conditions to address economic and political stability issues exacerbated by Yoon’s release.