Kim Jong-in and Cha Myung-jin Protest Disciplinary Results: "Pathetic People"

Ruling Party Ethics Committee Recommends Voluntary Withdrawal Instead of Expulsion... Candidate Status Maintained
Kim Jong-in "Does Not Recognize as Candidate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Kim Jong-in, the General Election Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, expressed displeasure on the 10th regarding the disciplinary decision against Cha Myung-jin, the candidate for Bucheon Byeong, Gyeonggi Province, who caused controversy over his 'Sewol Ferry slanderous remarks,' calling it "pathetic."

After supporting the election campaign in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province that day, Kim told reporters, "The party's Ethics Committee members are truly pathetic."

Earlier that day, the party's Ethics Committee issued a disciplinary recommendation for Cha to leave the party. This is one level lower than expulsion. The Ethics Committee stated, "It is recognized that inappropriate remarks during the election period caused harm to the party," but also explained, "It appears that the remarks were cited in the context of defending and explaining against the opposing candidate's derogatory 'beast' comment."

According to the party's rules, "If a person who has received a disciplinary recommendation to leave the party does not submit a resignation letter within 10 days of receiving the notification of the recommendation, they will be expelled without further committee resolution." With five days remaining until the general election, if Cha does not submit his resignation before then, he can run as a United Future Party candidate.

Cha stated his intention to complete the election without leaving the party. Immediately after the party's disciplinary decision, he said on Facebook, "I am now able to complete the election as a United Future Party candidate. I appreciate the wise decision."

Kim did not hide his discomfort with the party's decision. He said, "As the General Election Committee Chairman, I do not recognize that person (Cha) as a United Future Party candidate," and added, "I believe the local voters will make a wise judgment."