Seoul: In a fervent display of defiance, Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung rallied supporters in downtown Seoul on Saturday, declaring, "I'll never die. Let's fight together!" This declaration came shortly after the Seoul Central District Court handed him a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for violating the Election Act. The court's decision has been met with strong reactions from the DP, with Rep. Park Chan-dae, the party's floor leader, condemning the ruling as a "crazy ruling under the crazy government to remove its political foes." According to Yonhap News Agency, a spokesperson for the DP described the court's decision as a "vicious attempt" by "legal technicians" to punish Lee for his statements made during a media interview and a government audit. In a strategic move just days before the ruling, the DP had increased the judiciary's budget for the next year by 24.6 billion won ($17.6 million), aiming to garner favor. However, following the sentencing, DP members have launched a vocal campaign against the judiciary. The DP has announced plans to hold outdoor rallies, using charged rhetoric such as "judicial assassination" and "political repression" to rally public support. Despite these efforts, there is skepticism about the level of public backing they might receive. Historically, Lee has shown respect for judicial authority, once asserting that "The interpretation of laws is done by prosecutors and judges, not politicians," and advocating for punishment of those who commit crimes. This shift in stance raises questions about his current approach. In response to the ruling, Lee claimed, "The court of public sentiment and history is permanent," echoing sentiments of former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, who similarly defended herself after being sentenced for corruption. The editorial urges Lee to resolve his case through legal channels rather than inciting public unrest. Furthermore, the piece calls on the DP to reconsider its current trajectory. Since Lee took unilateral contr ol of the opposition following the April 10 parliamentary elections, reason and common sense appear to have waned within the party. The editorial warns that continued defense of Lee by DP lawmakers could alienate swing voters, leaving only a small base of ardent supporters. It emphasizes the need for the DP to acknowledge judicial authority and accept the court's initial ruling with humility.