**Regarding the ‘Photo Manipulation’ Ruling: “Please Don’t Use Close-Ups”**
**Criticism of ‘False License’ by Passport Aspirants**
**Focus on Wildfire Response: Tensions Over Calls for Apologies from the Opposition**
[Herald Economy by Kim Jin and Kim Hae-sol] On the 27th, the People Power Party continued its criticism against the appellate court that acquitted Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.
In a meeting at the National Assembly, Kwon Young-se, chairman of the emergency response committee of the People Power Party, stated, “The ruling is incomprehensible both legally and commonsensically, and the public finds it difficult to accept.” He emphasized, “While judicial independence is a crucial value, if rulings fluctuate according to judges’ tendencies, it undermines the court’s trust and judicial independence.” He added, “All the issues in this appeals trial were significant matters that greatly influenced voters’ judgments during the last presidential election,” and criticized the court for erroneously concluding that it had little effect.
Particularly, Kwon criticized the court’s decision deeming an enlarged photo of Lee and the late Kim Moon-ki, former director of development at the Seongnam Development Corporation, as potentially manipulated. He argued, “Accepting that an enlarged photo is manipulated and acquitting the ‘golf statement’ puts the judges’ literacy into question,” and noted, “Parking fines are issued with enlarged photos, yet many publicly ridicule the court by saying they won’t pay fines because the court calls enlarged photos manipulated.”
Floor leader Kwon Seong-dong also indirectly criticized the appellate court by saying, “Journalists, please avoid using close-up photos of me in your articles,” explaining, “If you go to the Seoul High Court, you might be labeled a photo manipulator, so avoid close-ups.” He continued, “Yesterday’s ruling led the public to believe with certainty, not suspicion, that the judiciary bows to political power, and I hope the Supreme Court will correct this appellate ruling to restore judicial authority.”
The leadership of the People Power Party expressed regret immediately after the acquittal and called for the Supreme Court’s prompt decision. Chairman Kwon said, “We hope the Supreme Court quickly proceeds with the trial based on the 6·3·3 principle to correct justice,” while floor leader Kwon expressed confidence that the case would be referred back by the Supreme Court. Key political figures in the ruling party also criticized the ruling, referring to it as “fabricating logic for a predetermined acquittal” (Hong Jun-pyo, Daegu Mayor), “a ‘license to lie’ for politicians” (Han Dong-hoon, former People Power Party leader), and “a ruling that can’t call a lie a lie” (Yoo Seung-min, former lawmaker).
However, as the People Power Party had previously demanded that Lee accept the appellate decision, they are unlikely to pursue further actions. A lawyer-turned-lawmaker remarked, “We’re not going to act like the Democratic Party and target judges.” Another legislator added, “What means do we have to oppose it?”
The spread of wildfire damage in areas like South Gyeongsang and North Gyeongsang, as well as Ulsan, is also a burden for the ruling party, especially since it impacts districts represented by People Power Party lawmakers such as Shin Sung-beom (South Gyeongsang Sancheong, Hapcheon), Kim Hyeong-dong (North Gyeongsang Andong, Yecheon), Park Hyeong-su (North Gyeongsang Uiseong, Cheongsong, Yeongdeok, Uljin), and Seo Bum-su (Ulsan Ulju).
The People Power Party established a special wildfire disaster response committee, chaired by three-term lawmaker Lee Man-hee (North Gyeongsang Yeongcheon, Cheongdo). Chairman Kwon explained, “We requested party lawmakers and district committee heads to participate in recovery and prevention activities, and temporarily halted relay press conferences in front of the Constitutional Court,” adding that the party has urgently sent relief supplies to affected residents and is speeding up fundraising efforts.
Policy Committee Chairman Kim Sang-hoon stressed the need for increased emergency funds for wildfire damage support, noting that “the current contingency reserves practically executable by the government are only about 300 billion won.” He highlighted, “Even if there are no issues with recovery support for current wildfire damage, the contingency reserve must be restored, considering potential summer typhoon and flood damage.” Kim demanded that the Democratic Party apologize for unilaterally reducing reserves in the 2025 main budget and actively cooperate in allocating additional disaster contingency funds.