On March 26, 2025, the Democratic Party of Korea successfully passed a resolution urging the Constitutional Court to expedite the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol. This resolution was advanced through the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, showcasing the party's determination to push for a swift judicial process.
The Democratic Party plans to hold a plenary session the following day to further discuss the resolution and engage in broader debates within the National Assembly. This move is part of a strategic effort to influence public opinion and rally support for the impeachment process, particularly aimed at the Constitutional Court.
During the committee meeting, the Democratic Party and the Innovation Party convened to process the 'Resolution on Prompt Designation and Prosecution of Yoon Seok-yeol's Impeachment Trial Date.' In stark contrast, lawmakers from the People Power Party opposed the resolution and walked out, leading to the resolution passing with only the support of 11 Democratic Party lawmakers.
People Power Party Representative Park Jun-tae criticized the resolution, asserting that it effectively provides guidelines for impeachment abuse and preempts any fair judicial outcome. He remarked, "This resolution presents guidelines for impeachment abuse and draws a conclusion in fact," reflecting a sentiment among opposition lawmakers that the resolution undermines the integrity of the impeachment process.
Justice Minister Jeong, who defended the resolution, emphasized, "It is not an impeachment prosecution resolution but a prompt designation prosecution resolution." He argued that opposing such a resolution would negate the purpose of the National Assembly, which is to ensure justice is served without undue delay.
As the resolution moves forward, its fate remains uncertain. While the Democratic Party is eager to discuss it at the plenary session scheduled for March 27, 2025, they are also preparing for the possibility that Speaker Woo Won-shik, who has been hesitant regarding the impeachment of Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, may not convene an additional session.
In a related context, the Democratic Party has criticized the Constitutional Court for allegedly 'deliberately delaying' the designation of a trial date for President Yoon. Spokesperson Hwang Jeong-ah expressed that if the trial date is not set by the end of March 26, the party views it as a deliberate attempt to stall justice.
Hwang warned that the party would escalate its actions if the trial date remains unspecified, considering measures such as a 24-hour emergency system at their party office, a demonstration by all lawmakers at Gwanghwamun Plaza, and a press conference in front of the Constitutional Court to demand action.
The Democratic Party is also preparing to process the impeachment of Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, which was initiated by five opposition parties on March 21, 2025. This impeachment motion is scheduled to be reported to the plenary session on March 27.
Furthermore, the Democratic Party plans to discuss the appointment of Constitutional Court candidates during the same plenary session. Hwang indicated that the party's strategy hinges on the outcome of the ongoing appellate trial for Representative Lee, who is facing allegations of violating the Public Official Election Act. This trial is set to occur at 2 PM on March 26.
Hwang stated, "As soon as the appellate trial concludes, we will convene an emergency Supreme Council meeting and provide emergency explanations for our unusual actions at a general meeting of lawmakers." This highlights the urgency and political tension surrounding the impeachment proceedings and the broader implications for the current administration.
The situation continues to unfold as the Democratic Party seeks to maintain pressure on both the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly. They are keenly aware that the political landscape can shift rapidly, and any delay in proceedings could jeopardize their efforts to hold the administration accountable.
As the National Assembly prepares for the upcoming plenary session, the stakes are high. The Democratic Party's ability to navigate the complexities of impeachment proceedings while rallying public support will be crucial in determining the future of President Yoon Seok-yeol's administration.
In summary, the Democratic Party's actions reflect a strategic maneuver to expedite the impeachment process and ensure accountability within the government. As they prepare for intense discussions and potential demonstrations, all eyes will be on the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court in the days to come.
