Political gridlock deepens ahead of Yoon's impeachment verdict

PPP unites behind anti-Lee campaign; DPK focuses on Yoon's swift impeachment

By Anna J. Park

Tensions between South Korea’s two main rival political parties are mounting ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, now expected to be issued as early as April.

While Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Lee Jae-myung’s recent acquittal in his appellate court trial for election law violations has alleviated some of his legal risks as a presidential candidate, the possible dismissal of Yoon’s impeachment case in April would render an early presidential election unnecessary, making further political conflict between the two sides inevitable.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP), which had anticipated Lee losing his candidacy eligibility in the appellate ruling, has shifted its focus to urging the Constitutional Court to swiftly reject or dismiss Yoon’s impeachment case. They view Yoon’s return to office as their best opportunity to buy time until Lee’s Supreme Court trial while also aiming to counteract negative public sentiment.

As a result, even PPP leaders who had previously been cautiously supporting the dismissal of Yoon's impeachment to appeal to centrist voters are now openly adopting a more right-leaning stance, saying that "impeachment dismissal is the answer."

At the same time, the party seems to be focusing on uniting its support base by emphasizing the supporters' shared goal of continuing the anti-Lee Jae-myung campaign. This strategy aims to maximize political attacks on the main opposition party, ensuring the unity of their supporters until the impeachment ruling on Yoon and preparing for a possible early election.

“From a legal perspective, a guilty verdict would have been correct in Lee's appellate case, but the appellate court made a political decision,” Rep. Shin Dong-uk, the PPP’s chief spokesperson, said on CBS Radio Thursday. Another PPP Rep. Woo Jae-jun, told SBS Radio, “Lee is facing multiple charges, and the election law case was the least serious of them. Ultimately, the people will make a wise judgment.”

In contrast, the main opposition DPK, somewhat relieved by Lee's acquittal in his appellate case, is now focusing on the swift conclusion of Yoon's impeachment trial. The party is urging the Constitutional Court to avoid any further delays in its decision, aiming for an early presidential election.

As part of this strategy, the DPK is intensifying its protests and rallies against the Constitutional Court. They plan to hold a 24-hour sit-in until April 18, which many view as the de facto deadline for Yoon's verdict since two justices are scheduled to resign by that date. All lawmakers are expected to participate in the overnight protests. In addition, the party intends to continue with relay protests and hold press conferences in front of the Constitutional Court.

"How long will you avoid your responsibility to uphold the Constitution?" Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the DPK, said as he once again urged the country's top court on Friday to swiftly deliver a ruling on Yoon's impeachment.

The party is also raising pressure on the government by once again threatening to bring out its impeachment motions against cabinet members at the National Assembly in April.