Rep. Song Young-gill Provokes Controversy

Rep. Song Young-gil (Uri party) provoked controversy over comments made during a televised debate yesterday. Rep. Song stated, “The Constitutional Court is not established through national election, and has a very weak democratic foundation. Thus, it doesn’t make sense that the court determines the fate of president who was elected by the people.”

Rep. Song appeared at a SBS program covering current affairs when he seemingly denied the authority and function of the Constitutional Court. He said, “Judicial independence is one of the dogmas in our society today. I do not think that it makes sense to rely on them when deciding the political career of a president. It is not just one of mere criminal case.”

Rep. Song further stated, “Through this general election the nation has already decided whether or not the president is guilty. The court should accept the will of the nation.”

In response to his statement, the Grand National Party vice-spokesman Bae Yong-soo countered, “It is within the foundation of constitutionalism that the court independently judge presidential impeachment cases in accordance with constitutional order. The ruling party is attempting to shake the foundation of constitutionalism with overconfidence stimulated by victory in the general election.”

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