Senior figures from South Korea’s People Power Party (PPP) continue to voice fierce opposition to the opposition-led special prosecutor bill targeting fabricated prosecutions, warning it threatens the upcoming June 3 by-elections.
Strong Backlash Against the Legislation
PPP leaders and local election candidates ramp up criticism, labeling the measure a blatant attempt to manipulate outcomes. Political observers note the bill could sway results in up to 30 contested seats, heightening tensions ahead of the vote.
Daegu mayoral candidate Chu Kyung-ho declared during a recent Facebook live session, “Lee Jae-myung, teetering on a legal cliff, cannot become president by ensnaring others in this net.” He added, “Past probes were flawed, but this one seeks votes nationwide, not just in Seoul. It aims to overwhelm the ruling party’s defenses with sheer numbers for a public reckoning on those tied to this leader.”
Chungnam gubernatorial hopeful Kim Tae-heum echoed the sentiment at a Facebook event, calling it “a special probe risking Lee Jae-myung’s operations—it’s coming at us now.” He stated, “The Democratic Party concocted this vote-gathering ploy amid base fallout. Having crippled the administration, failing to fully control this leader’s business risks raises grave concerns.”
Candidates Demand Electoral Accountability
Kim continued, “A probe naming Lee Jae-myung won’t secure public trust in his operations—it’s ethically untenable. Endangering national business authority through leader risks constitutes betrayal.” He warned, “The law invites reversal; unchecked authority leads to backlash, demanding clear insight.”
Gyeongnam gubernatorial candidate Park Wan-soo remarked at a Facebook briefing, “Lee Jae-myung’s leadership shift demands judgment from Gyeongnam residents too.” Park noted, “On the 1st, this leader’s public statement response showed just one year left before a pivotal moment. Even then, this law targets a person despite the leadership.”
He emphasized, “No one escapes judgment under law. If I’m there, I’ll pursue re-verification and personal accountability—this is true justice.” Park added, “The Democratic Party pushes direct confrontation with flawed logic, unreasonable laws via majority force. Flawed laws and judgment alike burden taxpayers; even abroad, flawed probes mean direct accountability. Ultimately, it’s the people’s outrage and independent verdict.”
Park described Gyeongnam as “the March 15 election stronghold,” urging residents to reflect on past lapses and deliver a resounding rebuke in these by-elections.
Broader Party Consensus
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stressed, “Even exceeding limits, one step over crosses the line—profound concern. Without heeding advice, sympathy is essential.” He asserted, “Through independent power, this by-election revives our great nation.” Oh criticized, “Seeing this as a super-legislative shortcut fools the public into viewing the leader as untouchable—absurd.”
Busan Mayor Park Hyeong-jun remarked, “For a great nation, one rights holder’s full involvement is vital—this is democratic betrayal.” He warned, “Probes naming leaders seize public trust at their core, placing the leader under law—plain truth. Quietly endure as national affairs, speak out.”
The special probe bill targets eight Pohang and 12 other constituencies’ direct seats, prompting incumbent changes. PPP candidates intensify calls for principled opposition, urging voters to prioritize judgment over manipulation.
