The opposition criticized the nomination of Lee Yong-cheol, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, as the Justice Minister candidate on November 6, calling it a 'Seongnam Line' appointment. They intensified their attacks, claiming the selection was aimed at facilitating the dismissal of charges related to President Lee Jae-myung.
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated on his Facebook, "The Justice Minister, after going around in circles, ultimately ends up being from the 'Gyeonggi-Seongnam Line.' Lee Yong-cheol is indeed a complete package of 'interests in charge of dismissing charges' and 'connections to the Gyeonggi-Seongnam Line.'" He added, "This candidate will take on the hidden design for the dismissal of charges."
Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also joined the criticism, noting that Lee has a long-standing relationship with President Lee Jae-myung. Jeong pointed out, "Lee appears to be a key figure in the Seongnam Line law firm network closely tied to President Lee Jae-myung," questioning, "Is the core of the Lee Jae-myung administration the Seongnam Line?"
He further remarked, "In the end, is the only option to trust the Seongnam Line for the dismissal of charges? The public scrutiny should not be on the nominee Lee Yong-cheol personally, but rather on the entire Seongnam Line hidden behind the scenes."
Representative Ahn Cheol-soo stated, "This candidate is a party to the Daejang-dong scandal. If such a person becomes the Justice Minister, the ministry will devolve into a department for dismissing charges." Representative Joo Jin-woo also criticized, stating, "This candidate lacks any expertise in legal administration and crime prevention," and promised thorough personnel verification.
The Reform Party also joined the criticism, stating in a commentary, "Another Seongnam Line appointment. Is this South Korea or Seongnam Republic?" They demanded that the nominee promise not to exercise authority over cases related to the appointing president.
Meanwhile, Lee Yong-cheol has been active in organizations such as the Lawyers for a Democratic Society and the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice. He served as the Chief of Civil Affairs and Legal Affairs Secretary in the Roh Moo-hyun administration. He later held the position of Deputy Director of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and was appointed as its head in November of last year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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