Yoo Si-min: President Lee likely leads 'New Lee Jae-myung' faction

Author Yoo Si-min has asserted that President Lee Jae-myung is likely the mastermind behind the "New Lee Jae-myung" faction, suggesting the faction's actions are orchestrated by the president and his close aides. Yoo made these remarks during a YouTube broadcast, criticizing the ruling party's prosecution reform initiatives as disorganized and lacking clear priorities.

"Looking back over the past six months, I've come to believe that this wasn't due to a lack of time or focus, but rather that President Lee likely planned all of this," Yoo stated. He posited that the actions of the "New Lee Jae-myung" group are not merely the result of internal party chaos but are instead carefully planned campaigns initiated by the president and undisclosed advisors.

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Looking back over the past six months, I've come to believe that this wasn't due to a lack of time or focus, but rather that President Lee likely planned all of this.

Yoo further suggested that the leader of the "New Lee Jae-myung" force is likely President Lee himself, rather than figures like Rep. Lee Eon-ju. He called for a public acknowledgment of this dynamic. The term "New Lee Jae-myung" initially referred to new supporters who joined President Lee after the last presidential election. However, it has since evolved to represent a distinct pro-Lee faction within the Democratic Party, separate from pro-Moon or pro-Cho groups, particularly during recent disputes over potential mergers with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.

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At this point, we must view all of this as the president's decision.

Yoo criticized the handling of the Criminal Procedure Act amendment, which was postponed until after the local elections. He pointed out that after the TF (Task Force for Prosecution Reform) concluded its activities by stating there was "no government proposal and it would be left to the National Assembly," some lawmakers, claiming to be pro-Lee, introduced peculiar bills. These bills, he noted, did not align with the proposed bills for a Major Crimes Investigation Agency or a Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.

"At this point, we must view all of this as the president's decision," Yoo argued. He hypothesized that these actions stem from the president's opposition to the complete separation of investigative and prosecutorial powers, suggesting a desire to retain prosecutorial investigation authority. Yoo concluded with a warning about unchecked power, stating, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." He likened unchecked power to a fish market that, without regulation, will inevitably develop a foul odor, implying that criticism and accountability are necessary to prevent corruption.

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Absolute power corrupts absolutely.