President Lee Jaemyung directly addressed the controversy over the alleged unconstitutionality of the proposed Special Sedition Tribunal, stating, “They say it’s unconstitutional, but in what way is it unconstitutional?” His remarks came during a press conference at the Blue House’s State Guest House on September 11, marking his first 100 days in office.

President Lee clarified misconceptions about the separation of powers, stating, “There are misunderstandings regarding the separation of powers. Judicial independence does not mean the judiciary can act at its own discretion.” He asserted that all power in South Korea ultimately belongs to the people, pointing out, “There is a clear hierarchy of authority. The National Assembly is the body most directly entrusted with the people’s sovereignty.”

Expanding on the state system, Lee stated, “The design of the national system falls under the authority of the legislature, while the judiciary operates within the framework established by the legislature, rendering judgments in accordance with the Constitution and their conscience. The structure of the judiciary is not to be determined solely at the judiciary’s discretion.”

President Lee further commented, “Judicial power is an authority indirectly granted by the people through politics, but somewhere along the way, things have become inverted. The judiciary now seems to make all the decisions, and politics has become subordinate to the judiciary. The most critical manifestation of this is the politicized prosecution—a situation that nearly led the country to disaster.”

He continued, “Restraint and self-control are the greatest virtues of the judiciary, and it must always consider issues from the people’s perspective. The people’s sovereign will is paramount.”

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News Agency