Jung Chung-rae, a Democratic Party of Korea party leader candidate, on the 14th laid out his views on issues surrounding President Lee Jae-myung, including the controversy over canceling indictments, a constitutional amendment for consecutive terms, and the so-called "Myeong-Cheong" rift.
Appearing on a radio program that morning, the candidate said, "What candidate Kim Min-seok said is correct in principle," and added, "A wrongful fabrication is a crime and, if confirmed, should be canceled."
Earlier, on the 12th, candidate Kim said in an interview with a media outlet, "The principle is to cancel fabricated indictments," and noted, "Telling people to resolve a wrongful indictment through a trial is violence and barbaric."
However, the candidate explained that opinions are divided over when to cancel an indictment. The candidate added, "There are two views: that if it is confirmed at the prosecutor's indictment stage, it should be canceled, or that only after a final Supreme Court ruling confirming the fabricated indictment can the indictment be canceled."
On a constitutional amendment for consecutive terms, the candidate signaled it is not possible. The candidate said, "The issue of a consecutive-terms amendment has been settled as Chair Cho Jung-sik having made a statement that could be misunderstood," adding, "It is impossible under Article 128 of the Constitution, and it should end there. Talking further makes it seem like there is something, but there is nothing."
The candidate also dismissed the so-called "Myeong-Cheong rift," which refers to tensions between President Lee and the candidate, saying, "The very term 'Myeong-Cheong rift' does not exist and is a fiction." The candidate said, "Sensational, provocative words go over well," and added, "Some people benefit strategically from that, which is why they make that claim." The candidate then asked rhetorically, "So does that mean President Lee Jae-myung and I are at war with each other?"