‘Law is Not Partial to the Powerful’: The Return of ‘법불아귀’ in Korea’s Political Storm

Jun 24, 2025
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‘Law is Not Partial to the Powerful’: The Return of ‘법불아귀’ in Korea’s Political Storm

What is ‘법불아귀’ and Why Is It Trending Again?

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘법불아귀’? This old Confucian saying, meaning ‘the law is not partial to the powerful,’ has become a lightning rod in Korean political debates. Most recently, it resurfaced during the briefing by the special counsel investigating the 12.3 Martial Law Incident, when an arrest warrant was issued for former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The phrase was first thrust into the spotlight last year, when then-Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok criticized the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office for allegedly giving special treatment to Kim Keon-hee, Yoon’s wife, during her investigation. Lee’s public rebuke—citing ‘법불아귀’—sparked a nationwide discussion about whether the law truly applies equally to all, regardless of status or connections.

The Arrest Warrant for Former President Yoon: What Happened?

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On June 24, 2025, the special counsel team led by Cho Eun-seok filed a surprise arrest warrant for Yoon Suk-yeol, charging him with obstruction of official duties and abuse of power. According to the briefing, Yoon had allegedly instructed the presidential security service to block the execution of an arrest warrant against him back in January, and later ordered the deletion of sensitive communications data after the martial law incident. The special counsel emphasized that Yoon is just ‘one of many suspects’ and that the investigation would not be swayed by his former status as president. ‘We will not be dragged around by the suspect,’ said Special Prosecutor Park Ji-young, invoking ‘법불아귀’ to signal a strict, impartial application of the law.

The Kim Keon-hee Privilege Controversy: A Precedent for ‘법불아귀’

The phrase ‘법불아귀’ first captured public attention during the so-called ‘Kim Keon-hee privilege’ controversy. Last year, Lee Won-seok, then Prosecutor General, admitted that the investigation into Kim—conducted at a ‘third location’ without his prior knowledge—failed to uphold the principle of equality before the law. He publicly apologized, acknowledging that ‘there should be no exceptions, privileges, or sanctuaries before the law.’ This admission fueled public anger and led to calls for independent investigations, ultimately resulting in the passage of the ‘Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecution Law’ alongside other high-profile cases.

How Korean Communities Are Reacting: Online Buzz and Real-World Frustration

Korean online communities like DC Inside, Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, and FM Korea have exploded with reactions to the return of ‘법불아귀.’ On Theqoo, one top comment reads, ‘Finally, someone is saying what everyone is thinking—no more VIP passes for politicians!’ Others, however, are skeptical, with a Nate Pann user writing, ‘We’ve heard this before. Will the law really be fair this time?’ There’s a palpable sense of fatigue and cynicism, especially among younger Koreans, who have seen multiple political scandals end with little accountability for the powerful. Still, some users on Instiz express cautious optimism, hoping the special counsel’s strong language signals a real shift.

Cultural Insight: Why ‘법불아귀’ Matters in Korean Society

To truly grasp the weight of ‘법불아귀’ in Korea, you need to understand the country’s deep-rooted Confucian traditions and the historical skepticism toward elites. Han Feizi, the Chinese philosopher who coined the phrase, championed the idea that laws must be applied equally, regardless of rank or status. In modern Korea, this principle is often invoked during political scandals as a rallying cry for fairness and reform. The phrase’s resurgence reflects widespread frustration with perceived double standards and a yearning for a more just society.

The Special Counsel System and the Politics of Accountability

Korea’s special counsel system is designed to ensure independent investigations into high-profile cases, especially those involving the sitting government or its associates. However, it is not without controversy. Critics argue that the system can be weaponized for political purposes, leading to redundant investigations and public confusion. Supporters, on the other hand, view it as a necessary safeguard against entrenched power. The simultaneous launch of three special counsel investigations—into Yoon, Kim Keon-hee, and the Chae Sang-byeong case—has sparked debate over whether this marks a new era of accountability or simply more political theater.

International Perspective: What Should Foreign Fans Know?

For international readers and K-culture fans, the ongoing debate over ‘법불아귀’ offers a window into Korea’s struggles with justice, privilege, and reform. The phrase has become a meme and a rallying cry on social media, symbolizing both hope and skepticism. It’s a reminder that, even in a society known for rapid modernization and global pop culture, old questions about fairness and power still resonate. Whether this latest invocation of ‘법불아귀’ will lead to real change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Koreans are watching closely, and they expect the law to live up to its promise.

법불아귀
Yoon Suk-yeol
Kim Keon-hee
privilege controversy
special prosecution
arrest warrant
Korean legal system
political scandal
impartiality
Han Feizi

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