"Judicial Reform, Requires Neither Money Nor Time… It Must Be Done When the Democratic Party is in Power"

Writer Yoo Si-min stated that Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has a "considerable" chance of becoming the next president, and if he does, judicial reform can be completed swiftly.

However, he warned, "One must not succumb to the temptations of the prosecution," adding, "Using that sword would be akin to drinking from a poisoned chalice."

On the 4th, Yoo appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kwon Soon-pyo's News High Kick' and remarked, "The demonization of Representative Lee Jae-myung has been strategically carried out, but a significant portion of that could be alleviated going forward." He added, "This issue is a task the Democratic Party and Representative Lee must navigate, but I believe it is possible."

"Economic Issues are the Priority… Judicial Reform Can be Done Immediately if Desired"

When asked by the host about many believing that judicial reform is the top priority for the next administration, Yoo firmly stated, "The urgent priority is the economy."

He explained, "Rebuilding the shattered national economy is the most pressing matter," while also asserting, "Judicial reform does not require a lot of money or time. There is no need to expend great energy on it."

He emphasized, "Assuming Representative Lee becomes president, the National Assembly has a coalition seat of 189. No president has started with such a support base. Without the transition period, judicial reform can be pursued rapidly."

He continued, "The prosecution should be changed to an organization that only handles indictments, and we must strengthen oversight to prevent prosecutors from exercising their indictment authority arbitrarily or illegally." He added, "The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) should also be expanded beyond its current capacity. Such institutional measures can be implemented if there is will."

"The Sword of the Prosecution is a Poisoned Chalice… One Must Not Fall into Temptation"

Yoo stated, "Judicial reform legislation can be passed by the National Assembly. If the president does not exercise the veto, it's a done deal," asserting, "Whether it is Representative Lee or any member of the Democratic Party becomes president, judicial reform must and will be carried out unconditionally."

However, he expressed strong caution regarding the temptations of prosecutorial power.

Yoo warned, "If the Democratic Party comes to power, the prosecution will tempt them by saying, 'Use our sword,' 'We will help you,' and 'We will hit them harder for the trouble they caused you.' One must not wield that sword. That is precisely the poisoned chalice."

Finally, Yoo emphasized, "Judicial reform must be carried out not as a means of seizing power but as a process for justice itself."

Image sources: Yoo Si-min / youtube 'Maeul Show', youtube 'CBS Kim Hyun-jung's News Show', Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party of Korea leader / News1