[Editorial] Jeong Jin-seok's Unrepentant Run, People Power Party Must Decide on Nomination Exclusion

This editorial from the Hankyoreh, a progressive South Korean daily, expresses strong condemnation of Jeong Jin-seok's decision to run for a parliamentary seat following his tenure as presidential chief of staff. The newspaper views his candidacy as an affront, particularly given the context of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's alleged involvement in a "rebellion" (내란).

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It is shameless sophistry.

The editorial dismisses Jeong's justification for running—the need to "rebuild conservative forces" and uphold parliamentary principles—as "shameless sophistry." It directly questions Jeong's role and actions during the alleged "night of rebellion" when Yoon supposedly ordered special forces to remove lawmakers. The piece points to Jeong's past actions, including defending Yoon's refusal to comply with an arrest warrant and his alleged involvement in initializing presidential office computers after Yoon's impeachment, as evidence of his complicity or at least questionable judgment.

The Hankyoreh argues that Jeong is attempting to use the immunity and privileges of a parliamentary seat as a shield against his own legal risks, particularly concerning the alleged order to initialize computers and his involvement in judicial appointments. The newspaper criticizes the ruling People Power Party (PPP) for even considering his candidacy, especially given the potential conflict of interest involving the head of the nomination committee, who is reportedly Jeong's relative.

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What was Jeong Jin-seok, Yoon Suk-yeol's top aide, doing on that 'night of rebellion' when the president declared an illegal state of martial law and ordered special forces to drag lawmakers out of the National Assembly?

From the perspective of the Hankyoreh, Jeong's candidacy represents a continuation of the perceived problematic practices of the Yoon administration and a disregard for accountability. The editorial urges the PPP to reject Jeong's nomination, framing it as a critical test of the party's commitment to democratic principles and a rejection of the "Yoon-again" political narrative. This viewpoint reflects a strong opposition stance, emphasizing the need for introspection and accountability within the conservative political camp.

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Is it not natural to suspect that he is trying to use the badge of a national assembly member, which guarantees immunity from arrest and parliamentary privileges, as a shield against his legal risks?