Kim Min-seok warns judiciary over Han Duck-soo's release: 'Do not cross a national red line'

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok publicly warned Chief Justice Cho Hee-de and the judiciary on the 13th at the party's Supreme Council meeting, urging them to "not cross a national red line" over the possible release of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The warning comes in connection with the expiration of the former prime minister's detention period. As the likelihood of his release grows, the Democratic Party has been escalating its offensive against Chief Justice Cho.

Former Prime Minister Han, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison at the appeals trial on charges of playing a key role in an insurrection, faces the possibility of release as his detention period expires on the 20th while the Supreme Court's full-bench review drags on.

At the meeting, Kim said, "The release of Han Duck-soo would be a national red line symbolizing the revival of the insurrection," adding that if the release takes place, "(the judiciary) will have to take responsibility for everything that follows."