Democratic Party Files Complaint Against Im Miri for Critical Column... Internal Criticism Emerges

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] The Democratic Party of Korea has filed a complaint with the prosecution against Professor Im Miri, a research professor at Korea University’s Korean History Research Institute, who wrote a column criticizing the party, sparking criticism even within the party.

On the 14th, Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Eui-rak wrote on his Facebook, "It is arrogance. Pride is the vanguard of ruin. This is about the Democratic Party," adding, "The public sentiment is like the sky. I don’t understand how it has come to a point where even a small rebuke from Professor Im Miri cannot be tolerated and is unwelcome."

He said, "I am ashamed and sorry. The sky sometimes demands a flawless offering. The righteous have always complied at such times," and added, "We need the wisdom to endure unfairness, to bear it patiently, and to wait. This is the path to completing reform."

Additionally, Representative Hong stated, "The public sentiment does not compare the Democratic Party to the Liberty Korea Party," and said, "They want the Democratic Party to be whole and humble. They have no demands for the Liberty Korea Party. Yet it is regrettable that the Democratic Party leadership fails to realize this."

On the same day, Representative Jeong Seong-ho also emphasized on his Facebook, "Arrogance destroyed even great empires and heroes. We must always listen to the voice of the people with a humble attitude," and stressed, "We must acknowledge the relativity of values and accept diverse opinions."

The Democratic Party filed a complaint against Professor Im Miri and the media outlet that published her column titled "Excluding the Democratic Party," alleging violations of the Public Official Election Act.