Grassroots demonstration initiated by the People Power Party, marking their first public rally in six years.
In a move that could escalate political tensions in South Korea, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) has announced plans to hold a street rally in Daegu on Sunday. The rally is aimed at protesting the ruling Democratic Party's push to control the judiciary, and the PPP's leadership is distancing the event from overt associations with former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
At the center of the confrontation is the Democratic Party's proposal to create a special tribunal to try those involved in Yoon's martial law declaration. The PPP, however, sees this as a violation of the separation of powers and a threat to the republic.
The proposed court would be composed of judges recommended by the National Assembly, the judiciary council, and the Korean Bar Association. The PPP is preparing to push back against what it sees as the Democratic Party's unilateral drive to pass key bills, including a government reorganization bill set for a Sept. 25 vote. This bill includes the abolition of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and replacement with separate bodies for its investigation and prosecution functions.
The PPP is also opposing the bill due to concerns about the potential misuse of power. Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, chair of the PPP, accused the special counsel of detaining PPP lawmakers through a politically charged investigation aimed at shaping public opinion.
The PPP is not immune to legal pressure itself. Reps. Na Kyung-won and Song Eon-seog are under legal pressure for their roles in a 2019 standoff at the National Assembly. Na and Song were accused of confining former lawmaker Chae Yi-bae of the then-Barunmirae Party in his office to prevent him from voting in favor of fast-tracked bills.
Prosecutors also suspect the Unification Church previously mobilized its members to en masse enroll in the PPP ahead of the March 2023 convention. However, as of the latest information available, no specific leaders or politicians of the PPP are publicly known to face legal charges or accusations detailing exact allegations against them.
The PPP official stated that the rally is strictly about opposing the Democratic Party's one-party dominance and has nothing to do with 'Yoon Again.' The leadership has instructed that only placards aligned with the protest's official message would be allowed at the rally, which is seen as an attempt to block slogans often used by Yoon supporters.
The PPP official also stated that while they cannot filter every attendee, the leadership does not endorse or sympathize with those claims. Rep. Song Eon-seog, the PPP floor leader, stated that the Democratic Party's actions pose a fundamental threat to the republic.
When asked about the special tribunal proposal violating the separation of powers, President Lee Jae Myung said the judiciary must operate within the framework set by the elected legislature. As the political landscape in South Korea continues to evolve, the upcoming rally in Daegu promises to be a significant event in the ongoing power struggle.
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