The Democratic Party evaluated the Supreme Court’s issuance of an additional arrest warrant for Kim Keon-hee as a "natural outcome" on the 27th.

Park Sung-joon, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a written briefing following the Supreme Court's decision to issue the additional arrest warrant that day, "It is a natural judgment that aligns with the public’s common sense."

Spokesperson Park stated, "Kim Keon-hee is on trial for charges of office-selling and bribery, having received items such as a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Tiffany & Co. brooch, a painting by artist Lee Ufan, a golden turtle, and a Dior bag."

He continued, "The first instance sentenced her to 7 years in prison, and the second instance to 5 years," adding, "The very fact that such a figure almost got released due to trial delays was a shock to the public."

He pointed out, "Additional detention is not the end," and noted, "The Supreme Court referred the 'three major suspicions involving Kim Keon-hee' case to a full bench just a day before its sentencing, yet has failed to reach a conclusion for three months."

Spokesperson Park emphasized, "The Supreme Court must deliver a strict verdict befitting the crimes," adding, "What the public desires is justice that is not delayed, and punishment fitting the crimes."

Originally, in anticipation of the potential dismissal of the additional arrest warrant, the Democratic Party had prepared an emergency condemnation rally at the Supreme Court on the morning of the 28th. Furthermore, discussions were underway for lawmakers to remain on emergency standby until the review results were released that day.

The minor opposition/pan-ruling bloc party Rebuilding Korea Party released a commentary under Spokesperson Lim Myung-hee, stating, "The Supreme Court recognized Kim Keon-hee’s risk of destroying evidence and fleeing, and issued the arrest warrant," adding, "It is an extremely natural and common-sense decision by the judiciary."

Spokesperson Lim stated, "Until now, the public has closely watched the judiciary with deep concern over whether Kim Keon-hee, a key figure in the state affairs manipulation scandal, would be released upon the expiration of her detention," and added, "This decision has relieved such public anxiety."

However, she added, "A series of trials regarding Kim Keon-hee still remain," and stated, "The judiciary must continue to restore public trust through strict trials and prove equality before the law."

Individual reactions from ruling and pan-ruling camp figures also followed. Former Democratic Party leader Chung Chung-rae posted on social media, "An extremely sensible judgment," adding, "It is a natural measure that aligns with the public’s legal sentiment and common sense. Naturally, a job well done."

Rep. Seo Young-kyo of the Democratic Party, Chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, wrote on social media, "There is no chance Kim Keon-hee will be released," and "Issuance of the arrest warrant is a natural outcome. Urging a prompt and strict ruling from the Supreme Court."

Cho Kuk, Director of the Innovation Policy Institute at the Rebuilding Korea Party, posted on social media, "The issuance of the additional arrest warrant is a natural outcome," while also noting, "Yet, it is the reality that we must feel relieved over such a common-sense decision."

Director Cho further stated, "Even amidst this, the Democratic Party chose a parliamentary investigation rather than the impeachment of Cho Hee-dae," and added, "Only by fighting the 'battle the public wants' alongside the Rebuilding Korea Party can the foundation for a rebound be created."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]