Lee Jin-sook's impeachment trial begins in earnest... "met the requirements" vs "abuse of authority"

While the impeachment trial of Lee Jin-sook, chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, began in earnest, the two sides clashed over the legitimacy of the impeachment.

The Constitutional Court held the first hearing of Chairman Lee's impeachment yesterday (12th).

The National Assembly said Chairman Lee committed a serious violation of the law, including a "two-member resolution" on the day of his appointment, stressing that he fully meets the impeachment requirements and that the benefits of protecting the constitution from his dismissal are overwhelming.

On the other hand, Chairman Lee's side pointed out that the impeachment prosecution is an abuse of legislative power for partisan gain, and that the Korea Communications Commission has effectively turned into a plant agency due to the impeachment prosecution by the majority party.

After both sides' remarks, Judge Kim Hyung-doo asked the National Assembly why it had not recommended the members of the Korea Communications Commission for more than a year.

He pointed out that there is no problem even if the state agency, the Korea Communications Commission, does not function for more than a year, but lawmaker Chung Chung-rae, who attended the trial, answered that the National Assembly is not responsible, but there may be delays in the internal discussion process, and the president has essential problems.

In response, Judge Kim also asked back if the National Assembly does not recommend judges, but the Constitutional Court also said, "Is it the National Assembly's intention not to work?"

After hearing opinions from both sides, the Constitutional Court decided to hold a second hearing on the 3rd of next month and conduct a witness examination of employees of the Korea Communications Commission.

Earlier, opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Korea, passed the impeachment motion at the National Assembly on the grounds that Chairman Lee violated the Korea Communications Commission Act by voting on the appointment of directors of public broadcasters under a "two-person system."