South Korea’s Democratic Party (DP) was preparing for a political counteroffensive on Sunday after the country’s top court revived the Lee Jae-myung case, reigniting legal risks for its presidential frontrunner. The party called an emergency general meeting of its lawmakers, raising the prospect of a drastic response, including the potential impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
At the heart of the dispute lies the Supreme Court’s decision last week to send the Lee Jae-myung case back to a lower court for retrial. The ruling reopens allegations that Lee, the DP’s presidential candidate, made false statements during the 2022 campaign. If convicted, he could be disqualified from running in the crucial June 3 presidential election.
The decision, issued with unusual speed for a high-profile case, caught many observers off guard. It marked a significant twist in a campaign already charged with legal drama and political polarization. While the court emphasized procedural grounds for the remand, the Democratic Party accused it of bowing to political pressure.
During internal discussions, party lawmakers expressed growing concern that the judiciary had overstepped its mandate. Some suggested that Chief Justice Cho had undermined judicial independence. As a result, impeachment talks gained traction within party ranks, despite concerns about escalating institutional tensions.
The Lee Jae-myung case has long been a flashpoint in South Korean politics. Lee, a former governor and a populist figure, has consistently led national polls. His legal troubles, however, have shadowed his political rise. Despite previous acquittals and dismissals, his opponents have seized on the charges to question his integrity.
For the Democratic Party, the stakes could not be higher. With Lee polling well ahead of conservative rivals, any legal setback risks derailing its electoral momentum. Meanwhile, critics warn that the party’s aggressive stance toward the judiciary could backfire, especially with undecided voters.
As the controversy deepens, the Lee Jae-myung case underscores broader tensions within South Korea’s democracy. The interplay between courts and elected officials has sparked renewed debate over institutional checks and balances. Even moderate commentators now question whether judicial neutrality can survive the pressures of presidential politics.
For now, the Democratic Party appears committed to defending its candidate. But as June 3 draws nearer, the Lee Jae-myung case may test not only the limits of electoral law but also the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
