The Crisis of Korea if Lee Jae-myung Becomes President: Based on Ahn Cheol-soo's Warning
Introduction: Democracy on Trial
South Korea's democracy has developed through historical trials and tribulations. From the era of military dictatorship to the democratic movement, and finally to peaceful transfers of power, our citizens have protected the liberal democratic system with blood and sweat. However, the Republic of Korea is now facing a new crisis. As Representative Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party has pointed out, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, has emerged as a threat to the foundations of our democracy.
The recent attempt by the Democratic Party to impeach former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok goes beyond mere political confrontation; it is a warning signal of a serious crisis in the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea. In this situation, Representative Ahn urged that "Lee Jae-myung, an impeachment addict, should immediately resign from his presidential candidacy." This should be understood not as a simple political offensive, but as a desperate cry of concern for the future of South Korea.
Politicization of Impeachment: A Dangerous Precedent
Representative Ahn pointed out that "impeachment is merely an offering stacked on the altar for Lee Jae-myung." This is a very significant statement. It means that the constitutional measure of impeachment is degenerating into a tool for political purposes. The impeachment system stipulated in the Constitution is the ultimate check against serious legal violations by public officials. However, looking at the recent behavior of the Democratic Party, it is evident that they are abusing this solemn system for political gain.
The push for the impeachment of former Deputy Prime Minister Choi is being forced despite the lack of clear legal grounds. This sets a dangerous precedent that such a powerful tool as impeachment could be indiscriminately used for political purposes in the future. Democratic institutions are maintained by restraint and balance in their operation. However, the political forces centered around Lee Jae-myung are destroying this balance.
Risk of Collapse of the Separation of Powers
Representative Ahn directly criticized Lee Jae-myung as "a criminal suspect who denies the judiciary, neutralizes the executive branch, and even violates the legislature." This means that the basic principle of democracy, the separation of powers, is being seriously threatened.
Threat to Judicial Independence
Lee Jae-myung and his supporters have shown a tendency to frame unfavorable judicial decisions as "political prosecution," thus denying the judicial system itself. Representative Ahn's pointed criticism of "denying the judiciary" is a dangerous idea that shakes the foundation of the rule of law. If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, the independence of the judiciary is likely to be further threatened. Pressure or personnel disadvantages could be imposed on judges who do not make rulings favorable to the regime.
Neutralization of the Executive Branch
Even now, the political forces centered around Lee Jae-myung are employing strategies to obstruct government policy implementation and weaken the functions of the executive branch. Representative Ahn's observation that Lee is "neutralizing the executive branch" accurately points out this situation. If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, there is a great concern that he will purge administrative officials who do not align with his political interests and reduce the national administrative system to his personal tool.
Violation of the Legislature
Representative Ahn's statement that Lee is "even violating the legislature" accurately reflects the current situation in the National Assembly. The operation of the National Assembly by the ruling party, led by Speaker Woo Won-shik, has shown a pattern of ignoring the rights of minority parties, undermining procedural legitimacy, and pushing through with the power of the majority. If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, this behavior is likely to intensify more blatantly, and the National Assembly may degenerate into a rubber stamp for the executive branch.
Concerns About Selective Law Enforcement and Political Retaliation
Representative Ahn warned that if Lee Jae-myung becomes president, "he will amend laws to pardon crimes of his allies and change laws to create crimes for his opponents." This is a very serious concern. The principle that the law should be applied equally to all citizens is fundamental to democracy. However, Lee Jae-myung's past behavior and current demeanor raise doubts about his willingness to uphold this principle.
Shielding Allies and Attacking Opponents
Lee Jae-myung has shown a pattern of overlooking or defending corruption or illegal acts by those close to him. On the other hand, he has displayed a duplicitous attitude of harsh criticism and attacks on even minor mistakes or suspicions of his political opponents. If this attitude is combined with presidential authority, there is a great risk that state power will degenerate into a tool for eliminating and retaliating against political enemies.
Arbitrary Interpretation and Application of Laws
As Representative Ahn pointed out, if Lee Jae-myung becomes president, arbitrary interpretation and application of laws will be prevalent. There is a high risk that the criminal justice system will be utilized as a political tool, transforming into a means of oppression and suppression against opposing forces. This means that the Republic of Korea could lose its identity as a rule-of-law state and degenerate into a dictatorship where the law is swayed according to the ruler's whims.
National Status Decline Due to a Criminal Suspect as President
Representative Ahn directly labeled Lee Jae-myung as a "criminal suspect." Currently, Lee Jae-myung is on trial for various charges. A criminal suspect becoming the nation's leader could deal a serious blow to South Korea's status and credibility in the international community.
Decline in International Credibility
South Korea has been recognized as an exemplary country that has successfully achieved economic development and democratization. However, if a criminal suspect becomes president, South Korea's credibility in the international community will significantly decline. Various negative repercussions are expected, including diplomatic isolation, decreased foreign investment, and downgrading of the national credit rating.
Division of Public Sentiment and Intensification of Social Conflict
Lee Jae-myung's election as president would bring about a serious division in public sentiment. The public's trust in law and justice would collapse, and social conflicts would likely intensify. This would act as a serious obstacle to national integration and development.
Importance of Representative Ahn's Decision and Warning
Representative Ahn stated, "The reason I, who worked for the third party for 10 years, decided on unification three years ago was because I knew Lee Jae-myung was a criminal suspect." This is an important passage that shows a politician's sense of responsibility and judgment for the future of the country.
Personal Sacrifice and National Decision
Representative Ahn made a decision that prioritized the future of the country over his political ambition. This demonstrates the attitude of a true politician. His characterization of Lee Jae-myung as "the main enemy threatening South Korea's liberal democracy" should be taken not as a simple political attack, but as a warning from a responsible politician who is directly confronting the country's crisis.
Call for Wise Judgment by the People
Representative Ahn urged for the wise judgment of the people, saying, "The people will judge everything as it is." The ultimate bulwark of democracy is the judgment of the people. Voters should make wise choices for the greater values of South Korea's future and the continuation of democracy, beyond short-term interests or partisan likes and dislikes.
Criticism of National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and Its Significance
Representative Ahn strongly criticized National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik as "the embodiment of shamelessness" and called for his resignation. This accurately points out the problems in the current operation of the National Assembly. The Speaker of the National Assembly has a responsibility to operate the National Assembly fairly, transcending the ruling and opposition parties. However, Speaker Woo has shown a pattern of ignoring the rules and conventions of the National Assembly for the benefit of the ruling party.
Diminishing Authority of the National Assembly
Speaker Woo's biased operation of the National Assembly has resulted in diminishing the authority of the National Assembly and decreasing public trust. Representative Ahn's question, "Is the National Assembly the personal property of Speaker Woo?" demands fundamental reflection on the essence of the National Assembly. The National Assembly should function as a representative body of the entire people, not as a tool for the interests of a specific individual or faction.
Distortion of Democratic Institutions
Speaker Woo's behavior exemplifies how democratic institutions can be distorted. The operation of the National Assembly that ignores procedures and rules ultimately damages the substance of democracy. While it may appear to follow democratic procedures formally, it has become a situation where the tyranny of the majority is being practiced in reality.
Conclusion: A Choice That Determines the Fate of South Korea
Representative Ahn's warning is not mere political rhetoric, but stems from serious concern for the future of South Korea. If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, our country could face a dangerous situation where the separation of powers, the foundation of democracy, collapses, the rule of law is damaged, and political retaliation becomes commonplace.
Representative Ahn's final appeal, "Please do not commit any more sins before history," is a stern warning to Lee Jae-myung and his supporters, as well as a message urging all citizens to make wise judgments. It is time for all citizens to heed this warning and make the right choice to protect South Korea's liberal democratic system.
We now stand at a critical crossroads in history. If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, South Korea's democracy will face a serious crisis. It is time to take Representative Ahn's warning seriously and make a wise choice for the future of South Korea. The awakening of all citizens to protect democracy and the rule of law is more urgent than ever.
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