PPP Faces Three Special Counsel Legal Challenges

Six current lawmakers from the People Power Party were fined in the initial trial on the 20th in connection with the "fast-track proces...

Six current lawmakers from the People Power Party were fined in the initial trial on the 20th in connection with the "fast-track processing dispute concerning the Electoral Law and the Act for the Investigation of Corruption in High-Ranking Officials," but managed to retain their parliamentary positions. Previously, political analysts had speculated, "Although the Supreme Court's final decision is yet to be determined, if the ruling matches the prosecution's requested sentence—calling for the loss of seats by five lawmakers—the constitutional threshold for blocking (101 seats) might be at risk." The People Power Party currently has 107 seats.

Nevertheless, some in political circles claim, "It's premature for the People Power Party to feel relieved." The party continues to encounter various legal challenges, including the "three special prosecutors' investigations." These involve the insurrection, Kim Keon-hee, and the Marine Corps special prosecutor inquiries. More than 10 lawmakers from the People Power Party are being probed in these matters. The Democratic Party of Korea intends to keep the "three special prosecutors' political atmosphere" active until the end of this year and present the local elections on June 3 next year as a "verdict on the insurrection."

Leader of the People Power Party, Jang Dong-hyeok, addressed journalists following the decision, saying, "I think this ruling is one that all citizens can agree with." Song Eon-seog, the floor leader and one of the lawmakers charged, said, "Our fight was a proper effort to safeguard South Korea's liberal democracy and parliamentary system." A legal expert mentioned, "Considering the prosecution's probable appeal based on excessive punishment and incorrect legal interpretation, the consequences of this trial are not yet finished."

Other legal matters concerning the People Power Party are still in progress. The National Assembly is set to vote on the request for an arrest warrant for People Power Party legislator Choo Kyung-ho, which was submitted by the special prosecutor investigating the insurrection for alleged participation in significant insurrection activities, on the 27th. With the Democratic Party holding a majority, the arrest motion is expected to be approved. If this happens, Choo is anticipated to have a thorough bench warrant review at the court around December 2. A representative from the People Power Party voiced worry, "If the warrant review for Choo is scheduled the day before December 3—the one-year anniversary of the martial law—there are concerns that the court might take political considerations into account." The initial rulings for former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, both accused in the insurrection case, are expected to be announced in January and February of next year, respectively.

The special counsel examining former first lady Kim Keon-hee is also looking into the People Power Party. The investigation found that the wife of People Power Party member Kim Gi-hyeon gave a Roger Vivier handbag valued at more than 1 million Korean won to Kim Keon-hee in March 2023. Although Kim Gi-hyeon stated the gift was "social and ceremonial without any exchange," the special counsel believes it could have been a bribe. Lawmaker Kim Sun-gyo has also been called for questioning on the 26th concerning claims about changes to the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route. Lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong was arrested by the special counsel in September over allegations of receiving 100 million Korean won in illegal political donations from the Unification Church.

The special investigation into the insurrection was extended until the 14th of next month following President Lee Jae-myung's approval of a 30-day extension on the 7th. The special counsels for Kim Keon-hee and the Marine Corps also received extensions, with their investigations scheduled to continue until the 28th of next month and this month, respectively. A source from an opposition bloc stated, "As the three special counsels near their investigation deadlines, the People Power Party is expected to face multiple indictments by year-end and early next year—countless challenges ahead."

The Democratic Party is reportedly planning to extend the judicial challenges faced by the People Power Party until just before the June 3 local elections next year. On the 5th, Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae said, "If Choo Kyung-ho's charges are proven guilty, the People Power Party, which was directly involved in the coup, should be dissolved as a political party ten or even a hundred times over." This is seen as a commitment to seek a constitutional review for the party's dissolution based on court decisions against its legislators. Shortly after the ruling, Jung posted on Facebook, criticizing it as a "lenient judgment" and remarked, "This is not the judiciary Jo Hee-de would have hoped for."