The Reform Party criticized the Democratic Party on the 23rd, calling it "irresponsible flip-flopping." This response came after the Democratic Party voiced strong criticism regarding the appeals court's not guilty verdict in the case involving allegations of opinion polling payments by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.
Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, expressed his disappointment on Facebook, stating, "I regret the appeals court's decision that overturned the first trial's guilty verdict," and described the ruling as "not in line with public common sense and expectations."
In response, Cha Ho, a spokesperson for the Reform Party, pointed out that Han had previously stated before the first trial's verdict in July that the court should make a ruling solely based on legal principles and evidence, free from political pressure or considerations. Cha labeled Han's current stance as "truly irresponsible flip-flopping."
Cha emphasized, "The court determined that there was a lack of 'evidence.' If there is insufficient evidence, the verdict must be not guilty. That is the law."
He also noted that the Democratic Party had previously stated that there was no room for excuses in light of the judiciary's stern ruling during the first trial. Cha warned that if the party pressures judges simply because a ruling does not suit their preferences, judges will begin to heed the whims of power rather than the law.
Cha urged Han to cease the "exoneration" framing against the judiciary, asserting, "To demand that rulings align with public sentiment is akin to suggesting that trials should be conducted like opinion polls." He condemned the Democratic Party's arrogance in attempting to manipulate the judiciary to its liking.
Furthermore, he stated, "If there are disagreements, they should be resolved through legal arguments in the Supreme Court's appeals process," and called on both parties to promise the public that they would accept the Supreme Court's final decision, regardless of the outcome.
Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, expressed his disappointment on Facebook, stating, "I regret the appeals court's decision that overturned the first trial's guilty verdict," and described the ruling as "not in line with public common sense and expectations."
In response, Cha Ho, a spokesperson for the Reform Party, pointed out that Han had previously stated before the first trial's verdict in July that the court should make a ruling solely based on legal principles and evidence, free from political pressure or considerations. Cha labeled Han's current stance as "truly irresponsible flip-flopping."
Cha emphasized, "The court determined that there was a lack of 'evidence.' If there is insufficient evidence, the verdict must be not guilty. That is the law."
He also noted that the Democratic Party had previously stated that there was no room for excuses in light of the judiciary's stern ruling during the first trial. Cha warned that if the party pressures judges simply because a ruling does not suit their preferences, judges will begin to heed the whims of power rather than the law.
Cha urged Han to cease the "exoneration" framing against the judiciary, asserting, "To demand that rulings align with public sentiment is akin to suggesting that trials should be conducted like opinion polls." He condemned the Democratic Party's arrogance in attempting to manipulate the judiciary to its liking.
Furthermore, he stated, "If there are disagreements, they should be resolved through legal arguments in the Supreme Court's appeals process," and called on both parties to promise the public that they would accept the Supreme Court's final decision, regardless of the outcome.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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