"Conviction Reversal with Guilty Intent, Effectively Impeachment Sentencing"

The People Power Party welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on the 1st to reverse the ruling regarding the election law violation case of Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung with guilty intent, stating, "It is a legitimate ruling based on principles and law." At the same time, they strongly urged the Seoul High Court to promptly conclude the retrial before the upcoming presidential election.

Kwon Young-se, the emergency response committee chairman, declared during a general meeting of lawmakers held that day, "With this ruling, candidate Lee has effectively lost his qualifications," and warned, "If the Democratic Party continues to share its fate with such an unreliable candidate, it will not be able to avert the anticipated political catastrophe."

He also criticized, "Even if this candidate were to be elected president by some chance, that election would inevitably be deemed invalid," adding, "We may have to hold another presidential election at the cost of hundreds of billions of won of taxpayers' money."

Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader, also voiced, "Today's Supreme Court ruling is nothing less than an 'impeachment sentence' against Lee Jae-myung," stating, "The very fact that a person who spoke serious falsehoods to the public during the presidential election three years ago is running again is a mockery of the citizens."

"Pressing Ahead with Candidacy is a Rejection of the Supreme Court… Judiciary Coup Claims"

Kwon emphasized that this Supreme Court ruling is "practically equivalent to a confirmed guilty verdict," asserting that if this candidate continues to pursue his candidacy, "it would be a direct challenge to the judicial order and a 'judiciary coup' that denies the Supreme Court's ruling."

Chief spokesperson Shin Dong-wook also commented, "Public skepticism towards a candidate who continues the presidential race while carrying various judicial risks will grow day by day," highlighting, "As time goes on, his illegal actions will come to light, and the public's demand for appropriate punishment will also expand."

Shin warned, "The Seoul High Court must deliver a swift ruling to implement judicial justice before the presidential election," adding, "The time for 'Defendant Lee Jae-myung' is not yet over."

"Effectively Confirmed Invalid Election… Lee Jae-myung is Unqualified to Enter"

Joo Jin-woo, a member of the National Assembly and legal advisor to the People Power Party, stated on his social media, "The Supreme Court's decision this time reaches the same conclusion as the first instance ruling of one year in prison with a two-year probation," evaluating, "It is just a matter of time before the invalid election sentence is finalized."

Rep. Bae Hyun-jin also claimed, "The defendant Lee Jae-myung, who continues to act as if he has already become president, will lose his qualifications immediately if he is confirmed guilty as per the first-instance ruling," asserting, "He is a person who is not even qualified to run in the presidential election."

Rep. Park Jeong-hoon also called for this candidate to resign, warning, "Even if he is elected, his presidential qualification will be voided immediately upon confirmation of guilt," adding, "Ultimately, we will have to hold another election at the expense of taxpayer money."

Image source: Cho Hee-dae, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court / News1. Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, exits a pocha restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 1st, after finishing a meeting with non-typical workers such as delivery riders and package couriers on the theme of "Invisible Heroes Who Create Your Day." (Joint Coverage) 2025.5.1 / News1, Kwon Young-se, chairman of the People Power Party emergency committee / News1.