National Court Administration Minister Park Young-jae said of the Supreme Court's decision in May last year to reverse and remand, on a guilty basis, the Public Official Election Act case against then Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, "I can only say it was a ruling in accordance with the Constitution and the law and consistent with the procedures followed."
Minister Park appeared at the National Assembly for the full session of The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the afternoon of Feb. 4 and, in response to a question from Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Yong-min that said, "You should apologize for the Supreme Court's ruling in Lee Jae-myung's election law violation case, and if you are truly sorry, you should consider resigning," answered as above.
Park added, "I believe that, just as in recent trials at the first and second instances, trials are being conducted and judgments rendered in accordance with the Constitution and the law and through due process," and said, "We will do our utmost to ensure there is no public suspicion about such trial proceedings and outcomes."
The National Court Administration is the body that oversees judicial administration for courts nationwide. One of the Supreme Court justices serves as the head of the National Court Administration, and Minister Park was appointed on Jan. 16.
Minister Park served as the presiding justice in the final appeal in May last year in the president Lee's election law violation case. The appellate court had acquitted in this case, but the Supreme Court convened the full bench and reversed and remanded on a guilty basis. The Seoul High Court, which received the case back, must sentence guilty in accordance with the Supreme Court's determination. After Lee took office, the Seoul High Court postponed the remand trial under the Constitution, which specifies the sitting president's criminal immunity.
Choo Mi-ae, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chairperson from the Democratic Party of Korea, pressed the issue of Lee's case when Minister Park appeared for the full session. Chairperson Choo said, "What did you do on June 3 last year (election day)? The election day nearly disappeared because of Minister Park. That day almost did not exist. Then what would have happened? I will hear your answer and judge whether it is appropriate or inappropriate."
When Legislation and Judiciary Committee commissioners from the People Power Party protested, saying, "If you pressure him, how can the National Court Administration minister work with conviction," Choo also said, "What kind of attitude is that toward the chairperson?"
Minister Park said, "I will answer under the chairperson's direction," adding, "I take the chairperson's words seriously. Many of you, including the chairperson, are rebuking us, and the judiciary also bears responsibility for that. I will also work to ensure the judiciary can do even better going forward."
Lawmaker Kim said, "You should offer a sincere apology," adding, "The presidential election almost disappeared. The fate almost changed. Because of the judiciary's arrogant act of rebellion. The person who played the most central role in the arrogant act of rebellion by Chief Justice Jo Hee-de is precisely the current minister."