Senior leaders and local election candidates from South Korea’s People Power Party (PPP) convened in Ulsan on May 6, 2026, to launch a campaign for a special prosecutor bill targeting alleged public opinion manipulation by the Democratic Party through fabricated prosecutions.
Opposition to Democratic ‘Grand Unity’
The gathering focused on eight key incidents, including 12 cases where Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung faced indictments later overturned upon acquittal. PPP officials described this ‘grand unity’ around Lee as a manufactured phenomenon driven by party loyalists, insisting it offers no hope for the republic.
Analysis reveals the special probe addresses public opinion manipulation by major corporate entities, with sufficient evidence from service sector cases warranting investigation.
Harsh Criticism from PPP Candidates
Busan mayoral candidate Park Hyeong-jun stated, “The true nature of the ‘fabricated prosecution special probe’ is a ‘social investigation special probe’ that sacrifices public trust to clear Lee’s name.” He referenced Article 11 of the Constitution, emphasizing, “No citizen shall face punishment without law or exceptional penalties.” Park added, “Power-based rulings represent anti-democratic authority, while a great republic upholds the law.”
Daegu mayoral candidate Chu Kyung-ho remarked, “The essence of this public opinion manipulation probe is evident—even ordinary citizens recognize the verdict.” He criticized, “Samsung and service workers’ strikes under this pretext amount to super-leftist terrorism that burdens citizens and constitutes constitutional destruction.” Chu continued, “This unity divides public sentiment, operating solely on timing without proper judgment, fostering fear and anxiety.”
Ulsan mayoral candidate Kim Doo-gyeom asserted, “This so-called ‘fabricated prosecution special probe’ is not law.” He noted, “It’s akin to service Kudeita and internal service matters.” Kim stressed, “Even in major corporate labor disputes, such issues remain unprecedented.”
Gyeongbuk gubernatorial candidate Lee Cheol-woo urged, “Exercise veto power against this—failure to do so reveals the probe’s true nature.”
Gyeongnam gubernatorial candidate Park Wan-soo warned, “This approach empties central ruling seats without basis, crossing into constitutional destruction.” He explained, “It precisely targets ruling party seats in the center as a status symbol, harming the constitutional order despite lacking government performance grounds.” Park concluded, “Law-abiding citizens and constitutional principles demand this unity be framed as a legal violation.”
Across the board, PPP leaders echoed, “Lee is not the king of the great republic.”
