Democratic Party Pressures Government For Quick Judicial Appointments

On March 26, 2025, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, called for the swift appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk as a Justice of the Constitutional Court and a Supreme Court justice. Speaking at a Supreme Council meeting held at the Cheonmak Party office in Gwanghwamun, Lee criticized Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for delaying these appointments, emphasizing the constitutional obligation to uphold the law. He stated, "The Constitution is the highest agreement and highest rule of the 52 million people of the Republic of Korea. If the President, who has the primary responsibility to protect the basic democratic republic order defined by the Constitution, overlooks it, who will protect the Constitution?"

Lee's comments come amid rising tensions in the political landscape, particularly regarding the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol. Reports suggest that the ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding Yoon's impeachment may be postponed until April, a delay Lee finds perplexing. "This is not a complex case; I do not understand what is so difficult. A quick decision is needed to stabilize state affairs," he remarked.

At the same meeting, Lee expressed concern over the implications of not appointing Ma Eun-hyuk, stating that failing to do so would be unconstitutional and that it undermines the integrity of the government. He pointedly asked, "How can we expect the people to follow the rules when the highest responsible person disregards the highest rule?"

The Democratic Party's pressure on the government intensified following Lee's recent acquittal in a second trial related to violations of the Public Official Election Act. This verdict has emboldened the party, allowing it to pivot from a defensive stance to a more aggressive political posture. Following the acquittal, the party has ramped up its calls for impeachment against Han Duck-soo and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok.

During a separate Supreme Council meeting on March 25, Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party's floor leader, stated that if Han does not appoint Ma immediately, it would constitute grounds for impeachment. He urged, "If Prime Minister Han does not appoint Ma Eun-hyuk as a Justice of the Constitutional Court, it will be grounds for impeachment. We demand his appointment today!"

This strategy of pressuring for Ma's appointment is seen as a tactical move to ensure a stable approval of Yoon's impeachment, especially as concerns grow that the trial may be prolonged. A lawyer-turned-lawmaker from the Democratic Party mentioned that the ruling could be delayed until before the retirement of Justice Moon Hyung-bae on April 18, drawing parallels to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, which was also ruled before a justice's retirement.

Lee's leadership has been a focal point for the party, as it seeks to capitalize on recent judicial developments to regain momentum. The acquittal has shifted the narrative, allowing the party to frame its actions as a response to what it describes as political oppression by the Yoon administration.

As the Democratic Party rallies its members and supporters, the pressure on the government continues to mount. Lee has articulated the party's position clearly, stating that the failure to uphold constitutional duties by the acting president raises questions about the rule of law in the country. He said, "If the president, who should protect the Constitution, violates it, who can deny that? If we give the president another pardon, does that mean it's acceptable to steal military data?"

The political climate remains charged, with the Democratic Party prepared to escalate their demands for accountability from the government. Lee's remarks underscore the party's focus on constitutional fidelity and the necessity of swift action to restore public trust in government institutions.

In the coming days, the Democratic Party is expected to continue its public demonstrations and political maneuvers aimed at holding the government accountable. The party's recent actions reflect a strategic recalibration in response to Lee's legal victories, positioning themselves as defenders of the Constitution against what they perceive as executive overreach.

As the political situation evolves, the Democratic Party's calls for the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk and the impeachment of key government figures will likely dominate headlines. The implications of these actions could have lasting effects on the political landscape in South Korea, particularly as the nation approaches critical decision points regarding governance and constitutional integrity.