[Editorial] Confronting the Constitutional Court’s Ruling is Not Right

The ruling party is confronting the Constitutional Court’s ruling that the capital relocation is unconstitutional, and this is not right. We cannot find any signs of submission in Cheong Wa Dae and the Uri Party, and we only hear bold voices against the court. Looking into the words heard yesterday and the day before, we clearly see the disgruntled feelings. Remarks poured out, such as: “The Constitutional Court violated the Constitution,” “It made an arrogant and indiscreet decision,” “There is a problem in the Constitutional Court judge selection,” and “The judges should be impeached.” This is a completely reversed attitude from the one they showed when the same court turned down the president impeachment proposal.

Of course, for the ruling party which has bid almost its entire political fate on the capital relocation, this decision made by the Constitutional Court could be embarrassing. Nonetheless, such an emotional motive should not be allowed to be connected with a direct challenge to the constitutional system.

The Constitutional Court of Korea was the fruit of the “struggles for democracy” in June 1987. The court was created as the last resort to protect the Constitution, under the national consent that the basis of democracy lies on the control by the Constitution. As a result, decisions made by the Constitutional Court are final and not recallable. Even the concept of submission or non-submission cannot exist. All political, administrative, and non-academic disputes on the capital relocation issue should be ended after the Constitutional Court makes a decision.

Furthermore, various polls showed that more than 60 percent of the people support the Constitutional Court’s decision. Even in a poll conducted on “nuriggun” (netizens) who are known to be pro-government, a majority supported the court’s decision. Still, the ruling power is disrespecting the authorities and the role of the Constitutional Court, and even trying to go against the nation’s sentiments. Is this the real face of the “participatory government” who has emphasized procedures and public opinions?

If this situation continues as it is now, this nation will inevitably be wrapped into a swirl surrounding the Constitutional Court’s decision once again. The ruling power should cool itself down and recover peace in its mind. The nation is afraid that the president and the ruling power might take unreasonable measures regarding this issue.