Democratic Party Quickly Withdraws Complaint... 'Im Miri Controversy' Leaves Only Scars

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] On the 14th, the Democratic Party of Korea withdrew the accusation against Professor Im Miri, a research professor at Korea University’s Korean History Research Institute, and the Kyunghyang Shinmun. The party acknowledged that the accusation was excessive and even expressed regret.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso@

The Democratic Party’s move appears to be a desperate measure to quickly resolve the situation as the controversy over gagging the media regarding Professor Im’s column sparked strong backlash both inside and outside the party, signaling an unusual development.

On the 14th, the Democratic Party stated, "We withdraw the accusation against Professor Im and Kyunghyang Shinmun," adding, "We acknowledge that our accusation was excessive and express regret." Regarding the background of the accusation, the party explained, "Professor Im, as a former executive committee member of a specific politician, was judged to have a clear political purpose beyond mere expression of opinion in the column published in Kyunghyang Shinmun, which led to the accusation."

In a column titled "Everyone Except the Democratic Party," contributed to Kyunghyang Shinmun on the 28th of last month, Professor Im argued, "Although claiming to be a candlelight regime, it is more absorbed in the regime’s interests than the people’s aspirations," and urged voters to "vote for everyone except the Democratic Party" in the upcoming general election.

The Democratic Party accused Professor Im’s column in Kyunghyang Shinmun of violating the Public Official Election Act, as it called for judging the ruling party through elections, and filed a complaint with the prosecution. Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon opposed this, conveying to Secretary-General Yoon Ho-jung that "(the accusation against Professor Im) is problematic," which further fueled the controversy.

Criticism of arrogance poured out even within the party. Representative Jung Sung-ho wrote on Facebook, "Arrogance destroyed great empires and heroes," adding, "We must always listen humbly to the voices of the people. We need to acknowledge the relativity of values and accept diverse opinions." Representative Hong Ui-rak also posted on Facebook the same day, saying, "It is arrogance. I don’t know how the Democratic Party leadership cannot endure even a small rebuke from Professor Im and dislikes hearing it," and criticized, "The Democratic Party leadership is regrettable. They are elevating the prosecution to the heavens themselves." Representative Shin Kyung-min, a former journalist, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "It is not right to judge this issue as a violation of the election law from the perspective of freedom of expression," and pointed out, "It is not something the party should take charge of."

Although the Democratic Party responded quickly, the controversy does not seem to subside easily. Progressive figures collectively criticized the party, saying "Accuse me too." Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon wrote on his Facebook on the 13th, "Having seized power, they are trying to gag the citizens’ voices. Let’s never vote for the Democratic Party. I will also be accused along with Professor Im Miri."

Former co-executive director of the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy Kim Kyung-ryul also stated, "I agree with Professor Im. If I were accused by a handful of power, I would repeat Professor Im’s claims as much as possible." Attorney Kwon Kyung-ae of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun) posted on Facebook, "They are even holding a ritual asking to vote for everyone except the Democratic Party," along with a picture saying 'NO Deobureo Minjudang' (NO Democratic Party of Korea).

The opposition parties also intensified their criticism. On the 14th, Sim Jae-chul, floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, said at a floor strategy meeting, "Criticizing the regime is met with gagging the media and freedom of expression, which is a dictatorial behavior." Ha Tae-kyung, co-representative of the New Conservative Party, criticized at the party leadership meeting, "This is an unprecedented event in party history," and said, "Representative Lee Hae-chan should retire from politics."

Spokesperson Lee Hae-sik told reporters that day, "There was a consensus within the leadership that a political party did not need to accuse an individual professor, so the accusation was withdrawn," and admitted, "It is true that the decision to accuse was not thoroughly reviewed." However, he added, "I agree with the argument that there is a need to raise issues when Professor Im publishes a column with a clear political purpose and intent."