Kweon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, regarding controversial remarks directed at Choi Sang-mok, the acting president and Minister of Economy and Finance, saying, "This leader is clearly guilty of threatening and inciting rebellion." He noted that he would also consider legal action.
On the same day, Kweon noted at a press conference held in the National Assembly that "This leader openly threatened Choi with outrageous remarks," adding, "Is this something that can come from the mouth of the leader of a major opposition party? I momentarily thought it was something a terrorist like IS would say. This is clearly illegal incitement to terrorism that encourages his supporters to commit acts of terror."
Earlier, the Constitutional Court dismissed part of a jurisdiction dispute request that sought to grant constitutional judge status to candidate Ma Eun-hyeok. The People Power Party interpreted that while not appointing candidate Ma infringes on the constitutional power of the National Assembly, they cannot compel an immediate appointment.
Kweon mentioned this, stating, "Choi Sang-mok is acting rightly in accordance with the spirit of the Constitutional Court's ruling. On the other hand, Lee Jae-myung is indeed a 'guilty party for threatening.' Since threats were made against the acting president, it qualifies as 'guilty of inciting rebellion.'"
He asked, "What is this leader so anxious about that he makes such outrageous threats?" He expressed concern, stating, "I am seriously worried whether this leader, who indulges in outrageous remarks, threats, and incitement to terrorism, will accept the results of the Constitutional Court’s impeachment trial and his own trial."
He then urged, "This leader should immediately stop this despicable threat and declare acceptance of the Constitutional Court’s impeachment trial results."
Earlier, at a Supreme Committee meeting, Lee pointed out Choi Sang-mok's delay in appointing candidate Ma, labeling it a 'dereliction of duty,' and said, "Choi can be arrested for dereliction of duty by anyone starting from this moment, so I hope he takes care."
He warned that legal action would be considered if threatening remarks continue. Kweon said, "Now is not the time to discuss legal action. (Saying he is guilty of inciting rebellion) was to emphasize the seriousness of the major opposition leader's outrageous remarks," but he added, "If there continues to be talk of arrest and an intention to harm the acting president, we will consider legal action then."
He also mentioned the need to strengthen security for Choi Sang-mok. Kweon stated, "As acting president, Choi is receiving security commensurate with that of a head of state. Given the incitement of terrorism, we should consider strengthening security measures. I expect the security office to recognize the gravity of this issue and ensure thorough security for the acting president."
Regarding the prospects of an impeachment trial for President Yoon Seok-youl, he said, "There are various speculations, but we have no information at this time," adding, "What we desire is a dismissal of the impeachment."
He analyzed the recent increase in the opposition's calls for the appointment of candidate Ma, stating, "I cannot ascertain the facts accurately; I can only speculate," but he added, "(The Democratic Party) using such incendiary language to pressure for the appointment of candidate Ma suggests they may have obtained information from the Constitutional Court. They are likely trying to establish a path for forced appointments in case they do not achieve the desired results."
He distanced himself from the view within the party that messages of acceptance regarding the Constitutional Court's decision are meaningless. Kweon said, "It’s not appropriate to mention or refute individual lawmakers’ claims. I respect their opinions," but he continued, "Regardless, it is desirable and correct for the leadership to accept the Constitutional Court's results to stabilize public sentiment and national stability."