Kwon Seong-dong declared that accepting the Constitutional Court’s decision on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment is the official stance of the People Power Party. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party doubted the sincerity of this statement, even labeling it as a “lie that would make Pinocchio blush.” As the Constitutional Court’s decision on President Yoon’s impeachment approaches, the political battle over acceptance of the outcome is intensifying.
Kwon emphasized during a press conference on the 16th that accepting the impeachment ruling is indeed the party’s official position, highlighting that the Constitutional Court’s rulings are final and binding for all. This follows acting leader Kwon Young-se’s earlier statement that they will accept the court’s decision, a sentiment also echoed by Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.
Lee Jae-myung, in a YouTube interview with conservative critic Jeong Gyu-jae, voiced his acceptance of constitutional decisions, suggesting it was an obligation. However, Kwon cast doubt on Lee’s sincerity, suggesting it was merely a passing remark and questioned the absence of a clear public commitment to abide by the decision.
The Democratic Party, through spokesperson Hwang Jung-ah, criticized Kwon for allegedly hiding his true intentions while publicly claiming commitment to the court’s decision. Hwang further challenged the People Power Party to demonstrate their respect for the rule of law by taking corrective actions, such as appointing judges promptly, and disciplining members who provoke extreme responses against the Constitutional Court.
Amidst the ongoing political tension over the impeachment outcome, there is a call for political leaders to clearly express their commitment to the court’s decision to prevent national division. Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon reiterated that accepting impeachment is a given in a democratic society, and former Democratic Party member Kim Du-gwan proposed a joint press conference by party leaders to confirm their acceptance of the court’s ruling.