'Compiling reasons why he must resign'

'If court isn't set on releasing Kim Keon Hee, extending detention is only natural'

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok speaks at a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly on Monday. [Yonhap]
Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok speaks at a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly on Monday. [Yonhap]

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said Friday that his party has begun discussing all options and avenues, including the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de, in response to growing public calls for his removal.

Kim made the remarks during a phone interview on the YouTube program "Minti07," responding to a host's question about what he considered a reasonable approach to demands for Jo's impeachment or resignation.

"Up to a certain point, we thought it best to go through a process of fully explaining the situation to the public and seeking their understanding — without so much as uttering the first syllable of the word 'impeachment,'" Kim said. "But this week, as our floor leader has also said, and as I have been saying, we are now comprehensively compiling the reasons why he must resign."

Kim also said the detention of Kim Keon Hee, former first lady and wife of impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol, should be extended ahead of her detention period's expiration at the end of this month.

"In President Lee Jae Myung's case, the Supreme Court handed down its ruling just nine days after the case was referred to it — yet this time, the court has reconvened the full bench and created a situation where sentencing is being delayed," Kim said. "Unless the Supreme Court is set on releasing Kim Keon Hee, it is absolutely necessary for it to rule on the detention extension requested by the special prosecutor."

He added that he was fairly confident that outcome would come to pass, but felt it was right to raise the issue clearly at this juncture and press the demand together with the public.

On Thursday, Kim posted on his Facebook page: "Lightning for Lee Jae Myung, a turtle's pace for Kim Keon Hee. Abstract justice for citizens, a soft touch for oneself. What is the Supreme Court, and what is justice? Unless they intend to let her go, they must extend the detention."


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