“Sometimes the unjust schemes of unjust forces succeed, but we will never be defeated,” said Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), on May 6, referencing the historical Cho Bong-am case. This marks the first time Lee has directly responded to the Supreme Court's decision to remand his case that is related to alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act. While Lee himself refrained from directly attacking the court, his party has mounted a public campaign, raising the possibility of a parliamentary hearing and even judicial impeachment.

Speaking to citizens at Jangtteul Market in Jeungpyeong, Chungcheongbuk-do, Lee said, “Cho Bong-am, a great politician who reshaped Korea’s economy through land reform, was judicially murdered, and former President Kim Dae-jung was sentenced to death for rebellion without having committed any crime. Some of these figures died, others survived, but this time, we will live and build a new nation.” The Cho Bong-am case refers to a 1959 incident in which the Syngman Rhee regime executed Cho and other leaders of the Progressive Party for alleged violations of the National Security Act.

Lee appears to be framing himself as a victim of judicial injustice as a way to deflect criticism over his legal issues.

During a visit to Jungang Market in Yeongdong County, Lee stated, “It feels like I’m not competing against another candidate, but in a total confrontation with state institutions that are supposed to remain neutral.” At a meeting with young farmers in Boeun County, he added, “They’ve investigated me so thoroughly that there’s no dust left to shake off—only pain remains.” In Okcheon County, the hometown of Yuk Young-soo, wife of former President Park Chung-hee, Lee remarked, “Yuk left a kind impression, but she was assassinated. Korea’s political history is full of killings, and sadly, it seems such attempts are being repeated today.”

The DPK has sharply criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to return Lee’s case for retrial, calling it an act of interference in the presidential election. At a leadership meeting at party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Yoon Ho-joong, head of the DPK’s Central Election Committee, demanded that “Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae must clearly declare the court’s non-intervention in the presidential election and guarantee fair campaign conditions.” He also urged that all hearings involving presidential candidates be postponed until after the June 3 election, emphasizing the need to act before May 12, the eve of the official campaign period. The Seoul High Court has scheduled the first hearing in Lee’s remand case for May 15."

The DPK’s public relations team further called on Chief Justice Cho to reveal whether the remand ruling was discussed during full-bench deliberations. Party spokesperson Lee Geon-tae claimed, “This remand is exactly what the ruling People Power Party whose No. 1 party member is none other than former President Yoon Suk-yeol, labeled a coup conspirator has persistently demanded. If true, the Chief Justice has essentially admitted to being a puppet of a treasonous regime.”

Lee Seok-yeon, former head of the Ministry of Government Legislation and now a co-chair of the DPK’s election committee, called the Supreme Court’s action “an unconstitutional political trial that exceeds the authority granted by the people.” He warned, “If the court pushes for a verdict before the June 3 election, not only will it be unconstitutional and invalid, it will be a criminal act.” He stressed the constitutional principle of equal opportunity in campaigning, adding that the judiciary should voluntarily refrain from holding trials during the official campaign period. While cautioning against hasty impeachment of judges, he stated, “Someone must be held accountable for this unconstitutional ruling.”

The DPK is also considering initiating a parliamentary hearing or a state-led investigation before its self-declared deadline of May 12. Chung Cheong-rae, chair of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee, announced that the committee would decide on launching a fact-finding hearing at its session on May 7.

Outside the legislature, the DPK plans to maintain pressure on the judiciary. Beginning May 7, lawmakers will hold daily press conferences in front of the Seoul High Court in Seocho District, Seoul. The party is also reportedly considering filing criminal complaints against Chief Justice Cho and other officials with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, citing abuse of authority, dereliction of duty, and violations of the Public Official Election Act.