The recent ruling by the Seoul Central District Court to reject the prosecution’s request for an arrest warrant for Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has brought to a close the political burden of the investigation. This decision does not imply Lee is innocent, but rather that there is a lack of direct evidence and no need to detain him for further inquiry into the allegations of corruption.
The court did not rule out the possibility of Lee’s involvement in a questionable redevelopment project and the transfer of $8 million to North Korea in return for favors. Yet, the judge did not feel that an arrest warrant was necessary.
Lee and the Democratic Party must now put the National Assembly back on track, having ended Lee’s 24-day hunger strike to “restore justice.” If the party demands the resignation of all Cabinet members, it risks alienating voters. Meanwhile, the People Power Party must accept the court’s decision and focus on the economic recession, rather than criticizing the judge.
It is time for both parties to address the issues facing the nation and our politics before it is too late.