Value context and insight. lkm@koreatimes.co.kr
Justice Kim voices only opposition
By Lee Kyung-min
Kim Yi-su
By Lee Kyung-min
Only one of the nine Constitutional Court justices ― Kim Yi-su ― voted against dissolving the minor opposition Unified Progressive Party (UPP), Friday.
Kim, 61, became a hot online topic instantly, and the grounds he provided for his opposition to the UPP disbandment is creating a debate between liberals and conservatives.
“The UPP has some 30,000 supporters. Some of its party members holding a view in line with North Korea’s constitution construed as the party’s view as a whole is a misconception, thus lacking justification for dissolving a political party,” Kim said in the verdict.
Kim also ruled that the political activities of the UPP were not against democratic order, nor did it hurt the principle of democracy and the fundamental spirit of the Constitution.
Kim also cast doubt on whether Friday’s decision was a result of thorough deliberation on the positive and negative outcomes of the dissolution.
“The public good or interest gained by the dissolution of the UPP not likely outweighs the situation of it remaining a party,” he said.
The remaining concurrent justices ruled that the UPP was in pursuit of progressive democracy; ultimately achieving the goal of actualizing North Korea doctrine here, posing a grave threat to the country.
Kim also mentioned UPP party member Lee Seok-ki, who is currently being tried on charges of plotting an overthrow of the government by violent means.
“If there indeed is any group planning such overthrow, the National Assembly on its own should screen them out, rather than relying on the Constitutional Court,” Kim added.
“The Constitutional Court dissolving a political party should remain as the last resort. On principle, political parties should be voted out by the public,” Kim said.
“I hereby dismiss the request filed, not because I intend to clear the charges against the UPP, but because I fundamentally believe in the Constitution,” Kim said.
Recommended by the former opposition Democratic Party (DP) to the Constitutional Court justice, Kim is known for his liberal stance on politically sensitive issues. He was born in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, a stronghold of the liberal party.