Opposition leader: 'Salmon alcohol party coup' failed after court ruling

South Korean opposition leader Jang Dong-hyuk has declared a "salmon alcohol party coup" a failure following a court ruling that dismissed claims by former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young. Lee had alleged he was offered alcohol and salmon to change his testimony.

Jang, who is currently hospitalized for complications from a hunger strike, issued his first public message since admission, stating on Facebook that even the court, which he claimed the Democratic Party heavily relies on, could not overturn the jury's decision. "It was not the court, but the people who delivered the guilty verdict," he asserted.

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The 'salmon alcohol party coup' has failed.

The Suwon District Court previously sentenced Lee to four months in prison for providing false testimony at a parliamentary hearing regarding the "salmon alcohol party" allegations. A jury of seven, in a trial by popular participation, found Lee's claims to be false.

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It was not the court, but the people who delivered the guilty verdict.

Jang accused the Democratic Party of attempting a "judicial coup" by disregarding public sentiment and building a narrative on fabricated claims. He linked this to other actions, including abandoning an appeal in the Daejang-dong case, distorting laws, and advocating for a fourth trial system and increased Supreme Court justices. "This immense destruction of the constitution, which has undermined South Korea's democracy and rule of law for the sake of one person, Lee Jae-myung, was made possible by the 'salmon alcohol party' as its root," Jang stated.

He further criticized Democratic Party lawmakers for defending Lee, questioning if they intended to defy the public's verdict. Jang argued that the National Assembly had abused its power for years to protect Lee, calling the situation "unbelievable." He added that a parliamentary inquiry, intended to investigate, instead confirmed that the "salmon alcohol party" claims were fabricated.

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This immense destruction of the constitution, which has undermined South Korea's democracy and rule of law for the sake of one person, Lee Jae-myung, was made possible by the 'salmon alcohol party' as its root.

Jang called for legal accountability for lawmakers who he claimed disrespected witnesses and called for the immediate impeachment of Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho. He warned that if the Democratic Party does not abandon its pursuit of dropping charges, Lee Jae-myung's only path would be impeachment, urging for Lee's trial to be reopened.

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If the Democratic Party does not abandon its pursuit of dropping charges, Lee Jae-myung's only path would be impeachment.